DES MOINES, Iowa – Heavy snow and increasing winds will create hazardous travel across Iowa today, with near-whiteout conditions possible from late this afternoon into early Sunday. Even after accumulating snow ends this evening, strong northwest gusts will continue blowing and drifting snow, keeping many roads difficult to navigate into Sunday morning.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm’s peak impacts run through this afternoon, when bands of heavier snow capable of producing 1 inch per hour will move across central and northern Iowa. Towns along the I-35 and I-80 corridors — including Des Moines, Ames, Mason City, and Waterloo — are expected to see widespread totals of 8 to 12 inches, with locally higher amounts where heavier bands persist. Some southwest counties may see a brief rain-snow mix that reduces totals.
Tow bans are already in effect across portions of northern and western Iowa as snowfall overwhelms plow operations. As winds increase later today, gusting over 30 mph, previously cleared lanes could quickly become snow-covered again. Reduced visibility and drifting will continue to cause problems well after the snow stops falling.
Drivers are urged to postpone travel where possible, especially tonight, when the combination of heavy snow, strong winds, and blowing snow will be most intense. Impacts linger into Sunday morning before conditions gradually improve.
