Whiteout conditions possible across Eastern Iowa with snow, strong winds Sunday to Monday

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — Blizzard Warnings have been issued across eastern Iowa as confidence has increased on snowfall and very powerful winds with a high-impact winter storm Sunday through Monday. The greatest uncertainty with this system is still where the heaviest snow falls. HOWEVER, snowfall totals won’t matter as *any* amount of snow combined with 50-60 mph winds will lead to trouble!

THE BOTTOM LINE: Falling snow combined with VERY strong winds for 12-15 hours will lead to difficult, if not impossible, travel in eastern Iowa Sunday afternoon into Monday. The worst conditions will be in open, rural areas regardless of snowfall totals.

The greatest confidence with snow is north of Highway 20, where the main part of this storm will drop snow for much of Sunday afternoon and evening. Along and south of Highway 20 is where the uncertainty creeps in as snowfall will mainly come with a band of snow on the backside of the storm. There will still likely be several inches of snow, but there’s uncertainty on where that band sets up and how long it produces snow.

Blizzard conditions occur with strong winds and low visibility, which can create dangerous whiteout conditions. This can occur with any amount of snow when there’s winds of 35 mph or stronger and has nothing to do with snowfall amount.

Blizzard conditions can occur with any amount of snow!

WHAT WE KNOW

• There will be rain, ice, and snow Sunday
• The transition to snow will happen from north to south with all of the area in snow Sunday evening
• Winds will be strongest late Sunday afternoon through Monday morning (50-60 mph)
• Blizzard conditions will occur regardless of how much snow falls
• Snow will be difficult to measure due to persistent strong winds
• Difficult and dangerous travel is expected, especially in open & rural areas

SUNDAY MORNING

• Winds will be breezy out of the south with gusts of 30 mph
• Rain will fall across most of the area after 5 a.m.
• Freezing rain/sleet will be possible near the Iowa/Minnesota border (some minor accumulation possible)
• Transition to wintry mix occurs near/north of Highway 20 around noon
• Some thunderstorms are possible, especially south of Highway 20

SUNDAY AFTERNOON & EVENING

• Transition to snow occurs around 1 p.m. near the IA/MN border
• Transition to snow around 3 p.m. near Highway 20
• Brief period of mix before transition to snow area wide around 6 p.m.
• As the transition occurs, 40-50 mph wind gusts will be possible and lead to blizzard conditions
• Whiteout conditions and significant drifting expected in open/rural areas
• Winds will strengthen after sunset with 50-60 mph gusts possible

SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY MORNING

• The worst of the blizzard conditions are expected overnight into Monday morning
• Snow will continue to fall until early Monday morning
• Wind gusts of 50-60 mph could occur for over 12 hours, leading to significant blowing and drifting
• Whiteout conditions in open/rural areas, roads could be drifted shut, plows may be pulled due to dangerous conditions
• Power outages possible, especially if any ice accumulation occurs
• Winds will back off from west to east, with the worst of the wind ending around 10 a.m. Monday
• Lingering impacts from the wind could last into the afternoon and it will likely take a while for ALL roads to be cleared due to strong winds

SOME UNCERTAINTY REMAINS

The exact track of the storm can change precipitation types, how long rain/ice/snow lasts, and how much accumulation occurs with each. The timing of that switch could impact snowfall totals. Unfortunately, the likelihood of the very strong, persistent winds is high. Therefore, regardless of how much snow falls in your area the impacts remain.

WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?

• Stay updated on the forecast as there can still be changes
• Make sure you have supplies at home and an emergency kit in your car
• Get gas for your car, snowblowers
• Have all supplies ready prior to noon Sunday, before that transition to snow begins from north to south
• In the event of a power outage, keep flashlights nearby and remember to never run generators inside
• Change plans and be prepared for cancellations
• Avoid traveling, if possible. If you must travel, stick to main roads and avoid long, open stretches

HELPFUL RESOURCES

CHECK ROAD CONDITIONS HERE | INTERACTIVE RADAR | ANNOUNCEMENTS & CLOSURES HERE