Weather
Iowa Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Freezing Rain Threats
Des Moines, IA – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Iowa. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Octobe
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-27T07:59:49.138Z
Des Moines, IA – Ice covered highways, falling tree limbs and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Iowa. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams pose serious threats to travel, electricity and communities during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain occurs when liquid precipitation freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Accumulating ice can make roads hazardous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Dangerous Can Iowa Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and sidewalks extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause substantial tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Iowa experienced a major ice storm in December 2007, when heavy ice accumulation damaged trees and power infrastructure, leaving numerous communities without electricity.
Drivers traveling Interstate 80, Interstate 35, Interstate 380 and Interstate 29 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Sudden Winter Flooding Another serious winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase this risk, particularly when frozen ground prevents water from soaking into the soil.
Communities along the Des Moines, Cedar, Iowa, Wapsipinicon and Mississippi rivers can face ice jam concerns during winter warmups and spring breakup.
How Iowa Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during significant freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts and river conditions through the NWS Des Moines office , NWS Quad Cities office and NWS Sioux Falls office , which serve different portions of Iowa.
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before ice storms, power outages and river flooding threaten Iowa communities.