DES MOINES — Iowans are being urged to prepare for a stretch of dangerous winter weather this week, including snow, near-blizzard conditions, and extreme cold, according to the National Weather Service in Des Moines.
Forecasters say light to moderate snowfall will move across the state Tuesday night and again Wednesday afternoon, with the greatest accumulation expected in northern and northeastern Iowa. Most areas in northern Iowa could see 1 to 3 inches of snow, with localized totals of up to 4 inches possible by Wednesday evening.
While snowfall amounts may be modest, conditions are expected to worsen significantly Wednesday afternoon and evening as strong north winds develop, gusting between 35 and 50 mph. The combination of falling and existing snow, along with strong winds, could lead to near-blizzard conditions, especially in rural and open areas of northern Iowa. Reduced visibility, blowing snow, and hazardous travel are expected during this time, with the highest potential for major travel impacts occurring Wednesday evening.
Snow is expected to taper off late Wednesday night into Thursday, with winds gradually diminishing and conditions slowly improving. However, relief will be short-lived.
An Extreme Cold Watch is in effect heading into the end of the week, as the coldest air of the season settles across the region. From Friday through the weekend, dangerous wind chills well below zero are expected, with some areas potentially seeing wind chills approaching 30 to 40 degrees below zero. At those temperatures, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
The National Weather Service reports high confidence in the arrival of the extreme cold and strong winds, with moderate confidence in where near-blizzard conditions will develop Wednesday. Officials urge residents to limit travel during hazardous periods, dress in multiple layers when outdoors, keep pets indoors, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Drivers are also encouraged to monitor road conditions closely and keep emergency kits in their vehicles. Portable heaters should be used safely, and generators or grills should never be operated indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
