Mason City, Iowa – Drivers across northern Iowa could lose visibility to near zero by 7 a.m. Sunday as wind gusts up to 65 mph whip falling snow across highways, creating blizzard conditions that may shut down travel through early Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Des Moines, a Blizzard Warning is in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday until 7 a.m. Monday for north central and northwest Iowa. Snow totals between 4 and 7 inches are expected, along with a light glaze of ice before the changeover to snow. Winds gusting from 55 to 65 mph will create intense blowing and drifting snow.
Rain will begin early Sunday before transitioning to a wintry mix that could briefly coat roads with ice. Snow will then take over through the day while powerful winds rapidly reduce visibility and push snow across open highways.
Cities including Mason City, Clear Lake, Algona, Estherville, Garner, and Forest City fall inside the warning area. Major routes such as Interstate 35 and U.S. 18 may see drifting snow cover lanes, particularly in open rural areas across Cerro Gordo, Kossuth, and Winnebago counties.
Officials urge residents to avoid non-essential travel once conditions deteriorate Sunday morning. Drivers who must travel should carry blankets, food, water, and a charged phone in case of delays or road closures.
Hazardous travel could continue into the Monday morning commute as strong winds keep blowing snow across roads. Additional alerts may be issued as the storm intensifies across the Upper Midwest.
