Strong winds will develop across Iowa this afternoon and evening, with gusts reaching 40 to 50 mph in some areas. These winds will combine with falling snow and existing powdery snow on the ground—especially across northern and northeastern Iowa—leading to blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
In these areas, near-blizzard conditions are possible at times, which could result in major travel impacts, particularly this afternoon and evening. Snow showers will continue today, with the highest chances across the north and northeast. Additional snowfall amounts are expected to be light but fluffy, with up to around one inch of accumulation in some locations.
Road conditions may remain snow-covered in spots, especially from Tuesday night’s snowfall, further increasing the risk for hazardous travel. The combination of strong crosswinds, snow-covered roads, and poor visibility will make driving dangerous at times.
While winds are expected to diminish and conditions will gradually improve late Wednesday, another significant concern is on the way. Arctic air will surge into the region Thursday night and persist through the weekend. An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect, with dangerous wind chills ranging from -25 to -40 degrees at times.
Residents are urged to use caution when traveling, stay informed of the latest weather updates, and take steps to protect themselves from the dangerous cold heading into the weekend.
