Through Thursday morning, Iowa is experiencing dangerously low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and strong winds due to the IAA winter storm, according to Des Moines. Particularly on Wednesday morning, commuters should brace themselves for roads coated in snow and poor visibility.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Des Moines predicts that snowfall will start late Tuesday and move from southwest to northeast into Wednesday. The last flurries will disappear by early Thursday, and the snow will taper off Wednesday evening. In the afternoon, winds will increase to 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 25 mph, creating dangerous traffic conditions and blowing snow.
By late Wednesday evening, wind chills in northern Iowa could reach -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Because frostbite is more likely to occur in extremely cold temperatures, residents should exercise caution when shoveling snow. Thursday is predicted to be dry, which will allow for cleanup.
Before leaving, travelers should verify the state of the roads and factor in extra time for commuting. Because to snow drifts and ice spots, officials advise being cautious on city streets and highways.