Oelwein, Iowa – Drivers across northeast Iowa could face near-zero visibility by 1 p.m. Sunday as powerful winds whip snow and sleet across roads, creating blizzard conditions that may make travel extremely dangerous through early Monday.

According to the National Weather Service in La Crosse, a Blizzard Warning will take effect at 1 p.m. Sunday and remain in place until 7 a.m. Monday for Clayton and Fayette counties. Snow and sleet totals between 4 and 6 inches are expected, along with a light glaze of ice before the changeover to snow. Wind gusts reaching 50 mph will create widespread blowing and drifting snow.

Road conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly Sunday afternoon as winds increase and visibility drops. Areas along U.S. Highway 18, Highway 52, and rural roads near Oelwein and Elkader may see snow drifting across lanes and periods of whiteout conditions.

The hazardous weather could also impact the Monday morning commute as strong winds continue to blow snow across open roads. Gusty winds may snap tree limbs, potentially causing scattered power outages across the region.

Officials urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel once the storm intensifies Sunday afternoon. Anyone who must drive should carry a winter survival kit with blankets, food, water, and a charged phone in case they become stranded.

Blizzard conditions are expected to continue overnight before gradually improving Monday morning as the storm system moves east. Additional updates may be issued as the situation develops.