Iowa’s First Major Snowstorm of the Season Arrives Wednesday
After a relatively mild start to winter, Iowa is finally getting its first widespread, significant snowfall of the season—and it’s arriving in mid-February. A strong winter storm is set to impact the state late Tuesday night into Wednesday, bringing heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions across much of Iowa.
Storm Timeline & Snowfall Totals
Snow is expected to begin around midnight in western Iowa, spreading eastward through the early morning hours. By sunrise, much of central and eastern Iowa will be experiencing steady snowfall, with the heaviest accumulations focused on southern and central portions of the state. The snow will taper off from west to east by late Wednesday afternoon into the evening hours.
Accumulations will range from 5 to 8 inches in southern and central Iowa, with some isolated locations potentially nearing 10 inches. Areas further north and west will see 3 to 6 inches, leading to winter weather advisories for those regions.
Snowfall Rates & Travel Impacts
The snow will fall at rates of 0.25 to 0.5 inches per hour, with occasional bursts of heavier snowfall at 0.5 to 0.75 inches per hour. While visibility will be reduced at times, blowing snow will not be a significant issue due to wind speeds remaining in the 10 to 15 mph range. However, road conditions will deteriorate quickly, making travel hazardous throughout the day.
Meteorological Setup: Why This Storm is Packing a Punch
This storm is the result of a deepening upper-level trough dropping from the northwest into the Plains, interacting with ample moisture and strong atmospheric forcing. Snowfall ratios are expected to be 18:1 to 20:1, meaning the snow will be light and fluffy but will accumulate efficiently.
The National Weather Service has upgraded a Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning for southern and central Iowa, reflecting high confidence in significant snowfall amounts. Meanwhile, areas further north are under a Winter Weather Advisory, as snowfall amounts may be slightly lower but still impactful.
Cold Air Follows the Storm
Once the snow exits the region, a blast of cold air will move in on Thursday morning. Low temperatures will drop into the single digits, with wind chills plunging below zero—some areas could see wind chill values as low as -10 to -15 degrees.
Final Thoughts
This storm will bring Iowa’s first major snowfall of the season, creating travel disruptions but also delivering much-needed moisture to the region. If you must travel, allow extra time, check road conditions before heading out, and pack an emergency winter survival kit. Stay safe, and be sure to follow IowaWeather.com for the latest updates on the storm and road conditions!