Stay Updated on Iowa Road Conditions as Blizzard Intensifies Across the State

Over the next two days, Iowa will be hit by a strong winter storm that will bring heavy rain, snow, and very high winds. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued storm warnings for much of the state because of the harsh weather. Travel is expected to be dangerous, and strong winds could cause power blackouts.

Rain and Thunderstorms Ahead of the Snowstorm

The storm system is forecast to bring significant rainfall across Iowa, beginning Tuesday afternoon and lasting into the evening. Rain will fall from southern to northern Iowa, with some areas expected to receive as much as 2 inches of precipitation. The southern part of the state may even experience thunderstorms before the transition to snow begins later in the night.

Blizzard Warning and Expected Snowfall

Blizzard warnings have been issued for different parts of Iowa, taking effect at different times:

• Northern Iowa: Blizzard warning starts at 9 p.m. Tuesday and continues until 3 p.m. Wednesday.
• Central and Southern Iowa: The warning starts at midnight on Wednesday and remains in effect until 3 p.m.

According to the NWS, a blizzard warning is issued when sustained winds of at least 35 mph, combined with falling and/or blowing snow, reduce visibility to a quarter of a mile or less for at least three hours. This makes it impossible to see, which makes journey very dangerous.

As the storm goes on, Iowa road conditions are likely to get worse faster, so drivers need to stay up to date on the latest warnings and road closures. The weather will be dangerous across the state Tuesday night as the temperature drops. It will rain and then snow. Up to 8 inches of snow could fall in the northwest and southwestern areas, which are likely to get the most snow.

Here are some specific predictions for key areas:

• North of Mason City and Algona: Up to 8 inches
• Carroll: Up to 8 inches
• Atlantic: 4 to 6 inches
• Des Moines: Up to 3 inches

Strong Winds and Potential Damage

Along with the heavy snow, high winds will also be a big problem. Tuesday night, there will be strong winds from the northwest that will get stronger overnight. Snow that blows around will be really bad, and it might last until Wednesday morning. Winds could gust up to 65 mph and stay at 40 mph for a long time.

The NWS says that these winds could cause a lot of problems, such as 

• Downed tree branches and power lines falling over, which could make power blackouts more likely.
• The roads are very dangerous because it’s hard to see and snow is moving around.
• Travel is hard, especially in open and country places where snow piles can be big.

Wind gusts will be strongest by early Wednesday morning. The strongest gusts will be reported in:

• Estherville: Wind gusts of 61 mph in Estherville by midnight Wednesday.
• Central Iowa: Wind gusts of up to 50 mph all day Wednesday, then slowly decreasing by Thursday morning.

Travel Tips and Safety Tips

People in Iowa are being told to take the necessary safety measures because a storm is coming. In many places, parking limits are put in place so that road teams can clear snow more quickly.

Iowa road conditions will be treacherous, and motorists should avoid unnecessary travel during the peak of the storm, as visibility could drop to near zero.

The Iowa Department of Transportation and emergency services recommend the following measures:

• Stay indoors if possible to avoid exposure to extreme cold and dangerous winds.
• In case the power goes out, make sure your electronics are charged.
• In case the power goes out for a long time, put together a survival kit with food, drink, candles, and blankets.
• Monitor weather updates and Iowa road conditions before making travel plans.

In conclusion

Iowa is about to get a blizzard, which means heavy rain, snow, and strong winds. This will make driving and being outside dangerous. Snow and strong winds will probably make the roads in Iowa dangerous even after the snow stops.

People in the area should get ready for possible power cuts, stay off the roads if they can, and pay attention to local warnings. As the storm gets worse, the government will keep people up to date on safety steps and changes in the weather.