Iowa Faces Potential Blizzard, Warns Weather Service
Iowa is bracing for a severe winter storm, with the National Weather Service issuing a blizzard warning affecting nearly one-third of the state. This warning has been extended and is now effective through December 29 at 9 a.m.
Iowa Faces Potential Blizzard: Key Details
Counties under the blizzard warning include:
- Blackhawk
- Bremer
- Butler
- Calhoun
- Cerro Gordo
- Chickasaw
- Clay
- Dickinson
- Emmet
- Fayette
- Floyd
- Franklin
- Grundy
- Hamilton
- Hancock
- Hardin
- Howard
- Humboldt
- Kossuth
- Mitchell
- O’Brien
- Osceola
- Palo Alto
- Pocahontas
- Sac
- Webster
- Winnebago
- Winneshiek
- Worth
- Wright
Travel along major roadways is severely impacted. The southwest-northeast stretch of Interstate 35, running from Ames to Clear Lake, is blocked due to blowing snow, prompting numerous reports of accidents.
Weather Impact and Conditions
Accidents have been reported on both directions of I-35 and U.S. 18 is closed east of Clear Lake due to snow-related incidents. Central Iowa is experiencing snow squalls that could lead to whiteout conditions, affecting travel dramatically.
The storm warning estimates snow accumulations of 2 to 7 inches across affected counties, with northwest winds gusting as high as 62 mph at local airports, including Estherville Municipal Airport. The Iowa State Patrol warns that untreated roads could become icy as temperatures drop significantly.
What’s Next for Iowa’s Weather
As the storm progresses, the central and eastern regions of Iowa will see snow interspersed with rain, transitioning to all snow by later afternoon. Accumulations in these areas may vary from less than an inch to over an inch, further complicating travel.
Temperatures are expected to plummet to lows around 10 degrees, with wind chills making it feel much colder. The following days will see minimal warming, with highs not exceeding 36 degrees midweek.
Polk County Emergency Measures
In light of the extreme conditions, Polk County has activated an emergency response plan. This includes:
- Weather amnesty at local shelters, allowing unlimited nights for those in need.
- Opening warming centers across the metro.
- Providing free transportation to these centers via DART bus service.
Available warming shelters include locations like Central Library and South Side Library in Des Moines. For further details, residents are encouraged to refer to the Polk County website.
Travelers are advised to stay informed and exercise extreme caution during this severe weather event, as conditions are expected to challenge normal activities across the region.
