An intense low pressure system brought strong winds and blizzard conditions to central and western Iowa from late on Tuesday into Wednesday. Once rain transitioned to snowfall overnight, wind gusts up to 68 miles per hour created near whiteout conditions in many areas. This made travel nearly impossible, with multiple interstates and highways being closed due to the blowing and drifting snow.
Snow drifts of 10 feet or more were reported, especially in rural areas. In the broadcast area, mainly between 1-5 inches of snow fell, the most was found along and west of Interstate 35.
Other peak wind gusts included 62 miles per hour at the Clarion Airport, 54 miles per hour at both airports in Mason City and Iowa Falls, and to 47 miles per hour at the airport in Hampton.
And from 9pm Tuesday until 9pm Wednesday, the Iowa State Patrol had 130 calls for service for vehicle crashes, and 445 calls for motorist assists.
