Iowa, winter is officially making its grand entrance! The first major snowfall of the season has arrived, and it’s bringing heavy snow, poor visibility, and tricky travel conditions. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect until Wednesday night, so whether you’re hitting the road or planning a cozy day indoors, here’s everything you need to know to stay safe.
What’s Causing the Snowstorm?
A strong winter system is moving across the state, and as cold air combines with moisture, it’s setting the stage for a steady, heavy snowfall. With up to 8 inches of snow possible in some areas and quick accumulation rates, it won’t take long for roads and sidewalks to become slippery. If you’ve been waiting for that classic Iowa snowstorm, well, it’s here—but with some added challenges.
How Much Snow Will Fall?
🌨️ Southern and Central Iowa (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport):
- Expect 5 to 8 inches of snow, with heavier bursts possible throughout the day on Wednesday.
- Snowfall rates could reach 0.75 inches per hour, which means roads could get snow-covered very quickly.
🌨️ Northern Iowa:
- 1 to 2 inches of snow is expected, thanks to drier air limiting the accumulation.
- Even though northern areas won’t see as much snow, slick spots and icy patches could still make driving hazardous.
When Is It Happening?
🌙 Overnight Tuesday:
- Snow will start around midnight, first in western Iowa and then spreading eastward through the night.
🌨️ Wednesday Morning:
- The snow will be steady and heavy during the morning commute, especially in southern and central Iowa. Roads will be slick, and visibility will be reduced, so give yourself plenty of extra time if you have to head out.
🌨️ Wednesday Afternoon and Evening:
- The snow will continue throughout the day before tapering off from west to east by late evening. Blowing snow could become an issue in open areas, creating whiteout conditions on highways and rural roads.
Why This Storm Is Serious:
-
Heavy, Quick Accumulation:
With snow falling at rates of up to 0.75 inches per hour, roads could become snow-covered in no time. Even if snowplows are out, it’ll be hard for them to keep up during the heaviest snowfall periods. -
Whiteout Conditions:
Visibility could drop to less than half a mile during the heaviest snowfall, and gusty winds could blow snow back onto cleared roads, making driving even more dangerous. -
Morning and Evening Travel Headaches:
The Wednesday morning and evening commutes will be messy, with slick roads and reduced visibility creating major delays. Bridges and overpasses will freeze first, so be extra careful on those.
How to Stay Safe:
🚗 Driving Tips:
- Stay home if you can! But if you need to travel, drive slowly and leave extra space between you and other vehicles.
- Watch out for black ice on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car with essentials like blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, and a phone charger.
🏠 Prep Your Home:
- Make sure you have plenty of food, water, and medications, so you don’t have to head out in the storm.
- Charge your phone and have flashlights and batteries on hand in case of power outages.
- Check that your heating system is working, and keep extra blankets nearby just in case.
🐶 Don’t Forget About Pets:
- Bring your pets indoors or provide them with a warm, dry shelter.
- Check their water bowls to ensure they haven’t frozen.
- Limit outdoor time—just like us, pets can get frostbite too!
Could Power Outages Happen?
It’s possible. Heavy, wet snow combined with gusty winds could cause tree limbs to snap and take down power lines. Be prepared by keeping backup batteries, flashlights, and extra blankets on hand just in case.
When Will Things Get Better?
The snow will start to wind down by Wednesday evening, but cold temperatures will keep snow and ice in place. Roads could remain slippery through Thursday morning, so don’t expect smooth sailing just yet.
This storm is no joke—it’s Iowa’s first major snowfall of the season, and it’s coming in strong. If you can, stay home, stay warm, and enjoy the snow from your window. If you need to be on the road, drive carefully, give yourself extra time, and check for updates using the Iowa 511 app.
