Charles City, Iowa – Roads across northeast Iowa could become nearly impassable by late Sunday morning as ice, heavy snow, and powerful winds combine to create blizzard conditions across the region.
According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday for Floyd, Mitchell, Chickasaw, and Howard counties. During this period, mixed precipitation may produce up to 1 inch of snow and sleet along with ice accumulations approaching one quarter inch, creating slick roads and the risk of tree damage.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, conditions are expected to intensify as a Blizzard Warning takes effect and continues until 7 a.m. Monday. Additional snowfall between 4 and 6 inches is expected, while wind gusts could reach 55 mph. These winds will whip falling and existing snow into widespread blowing snow capable of reducing visibility to a quarter mile or less.
Cities including Charles City, Cresco, New Hampton, and Osage are likely to see rapidly deteriorating travel conditions Sunday afternoon through the overnight hours. Highways such as U.S. 63 and U.S. 218 could experience sudden whiteouts and drifting snow, especially in open rural areas.
Ice accumulation combined with strong winds may snap tree limbs and lead to scattered power outages across the region. Emergency managers urge residents to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for potential outages by charging devices and securing outdoor items.
Road conditions across Iowa are available through the state’s 511 system at 511ia.org.
Blizzard conditions are expected to gradually ease after sunrise Monday, though blowing snow may continue to create travel issues into the morning commute. Additional warnings could be issued if the storm intensifies.
