Waterloo, Iowa – Roads across northern Iowa could become nearly impassable starting early Sunday morning as blizzard-force winds up to 65 mph combine with snow and blowing drifts, creating whiteout conditions that may shut down travel through early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday for much of northern and north-central Iowa, including Waterloo, Mason City, Fort Dodge, Clear Lake, Algona, and Webster City. Snow totals between 2 and 7 inches are expected, with brief icing possible as the storm transitions from rain to a wintry mix before turning fully to snow.
Visibility could drop below one-quarter mile during the strongest wind bursts, particularly across open rural highways such as U.S. Highway 20, Interstate 35, and Highway 3, where blowing snow may rapidly cover lanes and create sudden whiteout stretches.
Local officials warn the storm could impact Monday morning travel, with drifting snow likely to redeposit on plowed roads overnight. Winds strong enough to damage trees and power lines may also lead to scattered power outages across north-central Iowa communities.
Emergency managers advise residents to avoid non-essential travel, monitor road conditions through the Iowa 511 system, and keep winter survival supplies in vehicles if travel becomes unavoidable.
Blizzard conditions may continue overnight into early Monday before winds slowly ease, though additional advisories could follow as the storm moves across the Upper Midwest.
