Des Moines, Iowa – A powerful late-season winter storm could bring blizzard conditions and dangerous travel across central and northern Iowa starting early Sunday, with strong winds and blowing snow lingering into Monday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday morning through Monday morning for much of central and north-central Iowa, including Des Moines, Ames, Waterloo, Fort Dodge, and Marshalltown. Snow totals of 3 to 5 inches are possible across central Iowa, while northern counties could see 4 to 7 inches.
The storm may begin Sunday morning with a brief period of freezing rain, leaving a light glaze of ice before precipitation changes to snow. Once colder air moves in, winds could intensify rapidly.
Forecasters say north winds could gust between 55 and 60 mph, creating widespread blowing snow and visibility reductions that could approach whiteout conditions, particularly across open rural areas.
Major highways including Interstate 80, Interstate 35, and Highway 20 may see rapidly deteriorating travel conditions Sunday afternoon and night. Even areas that receive lighter snowfall could still experience blizzard conditions because of the powerful winds.
Residents are urged to prepare for hazardous travel and potential tree damage from strong winds. Drivers should monitor road conditions and avoid unnecessary travel if blizzard conditions develop.
The storm is expected to peak Sunday before gradually weakening Monday morning, though blowing snow may continue to cause visibility issues during the early commute.
