Blizzard Warning Issued for North Central and Northwest Iowa Through Monday Morning

Alert Details

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Blizzard Warning for portions of north central and northwest Iowa. This alert is in response to a significant winter storm expected to bring dangerous conditions to the region.

Affected Areas

The warning covers the following Iowa counties:

• Emmet
• Kossuth
• Winnebago
• Worth
• Palo Alto
• Hancock
• Cerro Gordo

Expected Conditions

Residents should prepare for a transition of precipitation starting as rain on Sunday morning, moving to a wintry mix with a light glaze of ice, and finally becoming widespread snow.

• Snow Accumulation: Total amounts between 4 and 7 inches are expected.
• Wind Speeds: Gusts are forecast to reach between 55 and 65 mph.
• Visibility: Widespread blowing snow is expected to significantly reduce visibility, making travel very dangerous or impossible at times.
• Additional Hazards: Significant drifting of snow and potential power outages due to tree damage from strong winds.

Timeline

The Blizzard Warning is effective from 7:00 AM CDT Sunday, March 15, until 7:00 AM CDT Monday, March 16. The hazardous conditions are expected to impact the Monday morning commute.

What You Should Do

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, ensure you have a winter survival kit in your vehicle. If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. For the latest travel conditions, residents are advised to check the Iowa 511 app, visit www.511ia.org, or dial 511.