Des Moines, Iowa – Snow has played a steady role in shaping winter across Iowa this season, with the highest seasonal totals focused across central parts of the state from late September through early February. While no single blockbuster storm has dominated the season, repeated systems have steadily added to snowpack and travel impacts.
According to the National Weather Service and NOAA’s National Snowfall Analysis, portions of central Iowa have recorded up to 3 feet of snow since Sept. 30. The greatest accumulations are centered near the Interstate 35 corridor, where multiple winter storms have produced consistent snowfall and extended periods of snow cover.
Communities including Des Moines, Ames, Ankeny, Marshalltown, and Grinnell are near the upper end of the seasonal range, with snow lingering between systems and frequent slick conditions on I-35, I-80, and U.S. 30. Snow removal has been a repeated challenge for local crews as storms arrived in quick succession.
Northern Iowa has generally seen slightly lower totals, while southern Iowa has experienced more mixed precipitation events that limited long-term accumulation. Even so, much of the state has dealt with recurring refreeze issues, especially during overnight and early morning hours.
The Iowa Department of Transportation continues to remind drivers that road conditions can deteriorate quickly during winter systems. With winter still ongoing, additional snow events could continue to add to seasonal totals across central Iowa, and more advisories may be issued as conditions evolve.
