Blizzard Warning 3, NWS Des Moines, IA

214 
WWUS43 KDMX 182006
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
306 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY...

.The combination of moderate to heavy snow and strong, gusty winds 
are forecast to produce blizzard conditions Wednesday in the warning 
area. Two inch per hour snowfall rates will be possible along with 
thundersnow. Strong and damaging wind gusts are also possible. 
Travel may be difficult to impossible at times.

IAZ028-182115-
/O.CAN.KDMX.WS.A.0004.250319T1200Z-250320T0300Z/
Bremer-
Including the cities of Waverly
306 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...WINTER STORM WATCH IS CANCELLED...

Accumulating snowfall is expected to remain below an inch across the 
area, hence the cancellation of the Winter Storm Watch.  However, 
very strong north winds are expected on Wednesday and a High Wind 
Warning is in effect for Bremer County.

$$

IAZ026-036-046-057-190615-
/O.UPG.KDMX.WS.A.0004.250319T1200Z-250320T0300Z/
/O.EXA.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.250319T1000Z-250320T0300Z/
Franklin-Hamilton-Greene-Audubon-
Including the cities of Exira, Jefferson, Webster City, Hampton,
and Audubon
306 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 10 PM CDT WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow and sleet 
  accumulations between 2 and 6 inches with highest amounts in the 
  northwest portions of the counties. Winds gusting as high as 60 
  mph.

* WHERE...Hamilton, Franklin, Audubon, and Greene Counties.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 10 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening 
  commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>025-033>035-044-045-190615-
/O.CON.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.250319T1000Z-250320T0300Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Crawford-Carroll-
Including the cities of Fonda, Gilmore City, Clear Lake, Early,
Odebolt, Lake City, Rolfe, Humboldt, Forest City, Algona, Lake
Mills, Britt, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, Sac City, Laurens,
Kanawha, Fort Dodge, Rockwell City, Pomeroy, Pocahontas, Manly,
Carroll, Wall Lake, Estherville, Emmetsburg, Lake View,
Northwood, Denison, Mason City, Schaller, Manson, and Garner
306 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 10 PM CDT 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations 
  between 5 and 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of west central, north central and central Iowa.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 10 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage, especially if snow accumulates on 
  the branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

IAZ027-037-047-058-070-190615-
/O.UPG.KDMX.WS.A.0004.250319T1200Z-250320T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.WW.Y.0012.250319T1200Z-250320T0300Z/
Butler-Hardin-Boone-Guthrie-Cass-
Including the cities of Ackley, Parkersburg, Iowa Falls, Casey,
Greene, Allison, Boone, Atlantic, Panora, Bayard, Dumont,
Aplington, Shell Rock, Eldora, Clarksville, and Guthrie Center
306 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM CDT 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to 1 
  to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Boone, Hardin, Butler, Cass, and Guthrie Counties.

* WHEN...From 7 AM to 10 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening 
  commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.  The strong winds 
  and falling snow may produce brief periods of near whiteout 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

Cogil

907 
WWUS43 KDMX 190128
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
828 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS EXPECTED WEDNESDAY...

.The combination of moderate to heavy snow and strong, gusty winds 
are forecast to produce blizzard conditions Wednesday in the warning 
area. Two inch per hour snowfall rates will be possible along with 
thundersnow. Strong and damaging wind gusts are also possible. 
Travel may be difficult to impossible at times.

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>026-033>036-044>046-057-191130-
/O.CON.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.250319T1000Z-250320T0300Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-
Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-
Including the cities of Exira, Fonda, Gilmore City, Clear Lake,
Early, Odebolt, Lake City, Rolfe, Humboldt, Forest City, Algona,
Lake Mills, Britt, Eagle Grove, Clarion, Belmond, Sac City,
Laurens, Audubon, Kanawha, Fort Dodge, Rockwell City, Pomeroy,
Pocahontas, Manly, Carroll, Wall Lake, Webster City, Estherville,
Emmetsburg, Lake View, Northwood, Jefferson, Denison, Mason City,
Hampton, Schaller, Manson, and Garner
828 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 5 AM TO 10 PM CDT 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow and sleet 
  accumulations between 2 and 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 
  mph.  Lowest amounts on the southeast edge of the Blizzard Warning.

* WHERE...Portions of west central, north central, and central Iowa.

* WHEN...From 5 AM to 10 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

IAZ027-037-047-058-070-191130-
/O.CON.KDMX.WW.Y.0012.250319T1200Z-250320T0300Z/
Butler-Hardin-Boone-Guthrie-Cass-
Including the cities of Ackley, Parkersburg, Iowa Falls, Casey,
Greene, Allison, Boone, Atlantic, Panora, Bayard, Dumont,
Aplington, Shell Rock, Eldora, Clarksville, and Guthrie Center
828 PM CDT Tue Mar 18 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM CDT 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to 3 
  inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Boone, Hardin, Butler, Cass, and Guthrie Counties.

* WHEN...From 7 AM to 10 PM CDT Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening 
  commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.  The strong winds 
  and falling snow may produce brief periods of near whiteout 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

Cogil

382 
WWUS43 KDMX 190940
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
440 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS EXPECTED TODAY...

.The combination of moderate to heavy snow and strong, gusty winds 
are forecast to produce blizzard conditions today in the warning 
area. Two inch per hour snowfall rates or greater will be possible 
along with thundersnow. Strong and damaging wind gusts are also 
expected. Travel will become impossible at times with many roads 
becoming impassable.

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>026-033>036-044>046-057-191945-
/O.CON.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.250319T1000Z-250320T0300Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-
Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-
Including the cities of Clarion, Lake City, Wall Lake, Lake View,
Lake Mills, Fort Dodge, Carroll, Emmetsburg, Fonda, Schaller,
Jefferson, Audubon, Odebolt, Rolfe, Pocahontas, Britt, Exira,
Manson, Hampton, Pomeroy, Gilmore City, Webster City, Algona,
Forest City, Northwood, Mason City, Eagle Grove, Sac City, Early,
Kanawha, Belmond, Rockwell City, Denison, Humboldt, Manly,
Estherville, Clear Lake, Garner, and Laurens
440 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations will 
  vary from a band of 6 to 12 inches to 2 to 6 inches along the 
  gradient area along the southeast edge of the snow band. Winds 
  gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest, and west 
  central Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage, especially if snow accumulates on 
  the branches. Power outages are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.Lowest amounts on the southeast edge of 
the Blizzard Warning.

&&

$$

IAZ027-037-047-058-070-191945-
/O.CON.KDMX.WW.Y.0012.250319T1200Z-250320T0300Z/
Butler-Hardin-Boone-Guthrie-Cass-
Including the cities of Casey, Atlantic, Panora, Ackley, Greene,
Allison, Parkersburg, Eldora, Iowa Falls, Shell Rock, Boone,
Clarksville, Bayard, Guthrie Center, Aplington, and Dumont
440 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS 
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to 1 
  to 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Boone, Hardin, Butler, Cass, and Guthrie Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Wednesday morning and evening 
  commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage.  The strong winds 
  and falling snow may produce brief periods of near whiteout 
  conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

Donavon

559 
WWUS43 KDMX 191655
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1155 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ONGOING OVER PARTS OF WESTERN AND NORTHERN 
IOWA...

.A band of moderate to heavy snow is falling and combined with 
strong, gusty winds, blizzard conditions are occurring over portions 
of western, northwest, and north central Iowa late this morning. Two 
inch per hour snowfall rates or greater will be possible and 
thundersnow has been observed as well. Strong and damaging wind 
gusts are also
expected. Travel is dangerous over parts of western to northern Iowa 
with roads impassable or will become impassable.

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>026-033>036-044>046-057-200300-
/O.CON.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-
Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-
Including the cities of Algona, Rolfe, Lake View, Schaller,
Emmetsburg, Fonda, Rockwell City, Kanawha, Fort Dodge, Forest
City, Northwood, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Mason City, Lake City,
Manson, Gilmore City, Hampton, Exira, Early, Jefferson, Lake
Mills, Laurens, Britt, Estherville, Eagle Grove, Garner, Belmond,
Carroll, Wall Lake, Clear Lake, Pomeroy, Odebolt, Sac City,
Denison, Webster City, Manly, Clarion, and Audubon
1155 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 
  3 and 5 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of western, northwest, and north central Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel has become very difficult. The hazardous 
  conditions will impact this evening's commute. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage, especially if snow accumulates on the branches. 
  Power outages have occurred and additional outages are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

IAZ027-037-047-058-070-200300-
/O.CON.KDMX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Butler-Hardin-Boone-Guthrie-Cass-
Including the cities of Dumont, Atlantic, Casey, Clarksville,
Greene, Panora, Shell Rock, Allison, Boone, Parkersburg, Guthrie
Center, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Aplington, Ackley, and Bayard
1155 AM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS 
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 3 inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 65 mph.

* WHERE...Boone, Hardin, Butler, Cass, and Guthrie Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions will impact this evening's commute. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage. The strong winds and falling snow may produce 
  brief periods of near whiteout conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

Ansorge

239 
WWUS43 KDMX 192017
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
317 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD CONDITIONS ONGOING OVER PARTS OF WESTERN AND NORTHERN 
IOWA...

.A band of moderate to heavy snow combined with strong winds and 
blizzard conditions continues over portions of western, northwest, 
and north central Iowa. One inch per hour snowfall rates or greater 
will be possible and thundersnow has been observed as well. Strong 
and damaging wind gusts are also expected. Travel is dangerous over 
parts of western to northern Iowa with roads impassable or will 
become impassable.

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>026-033>036-044>046-057-200300-
/O.CON.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-
Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-
Including the cities of Exira, Garner, Eagle Grove, Emmetsburg,
Clear Lake, Mason City, Fonda, Humboldt, Lake View, Pomeroy,
Gilmore City, Early, Carroll, Estherville, Laurens, Clarion,
Hampton, Fort Dodge, Lake Mills, Sac City, Wall Lake, Britt,
Northwood, Rockwell City, Belmond, Denison, Webster City, Lake
City, Manly, Algona, Manson, Audubon, Rolfe, Forest City,
Pocahontas, Odebolt, Kanawha, Schaller, and Jefferson
317 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Additional snow accumulations between 
  1 and 3 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northwest, and west 
  central Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel is very difficult with whiteout conditions - 
  travel is not advised across much of the warned area. The 
  hazardous conditions will impact this evening's commute. Strong 
  winds could cause tree damage, especially if snow accumulates on 
  the branches. Power outages have occurred and additional outages 
  are possible.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

IAZ027-037-047-058-070-200300-
/O.CON.KDMX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Butler-Hardin-Boone-Guthrie-Cass-
Including the cities of Parkersburg, Iowa Falls, Eldora, Allison,
Atlantic, Shell Rock, Dumont, Bayard, Clarksville, Greene,
Guthrie Center, Panora, Aplington, Boone, Casey, and Ackley
317 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS 
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to two inches. Winds 
  gusting as high as 60 mph.

* WHERE...Boone, Hardin, Butler, Cass, and Guthrie Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions will impact this evening's commute. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage. The strong winds and falling snow may produce 
  brief periods of near whiteout conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

REV

626 
WWUS43 KDMX 200009
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
709 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

IAZ004-005-015-023-033-200115-
/O.CAN.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-Pocahontas-Sac-
Including the cities of Odebolt, Wall Lake, Gilmore City, Fonda,
Rolfe, Early, Lake View, Algona, Schaller, Pocahontas, Laurens,
Sac City, Estherville, and Emmetsburg
709 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Falling snow has ended and visibility has improved across the area, 
thus the Blizzard warning has been cancelled. Wind remains breezy 
and travel remains difficult due to lingering impacts.

$$

IAZ006-007-016-017-024>026-034>036-044>046-057-200300-
/O.CON.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-
Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-
Including the cities of Clear Lake, Hampton, Forest City, Lake
City, Manly, Denison, Mason City, Clarion, Lake Mills, Humboldt,
Eagle Grove, Webster City, Audubon, Carroll, Garner, Northwood,
Jefferson, Pomeroy, Rockwell City, Fort Dodge, Manson, Belmond,
Exira, Kanawha, and Britt
709 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Blizzard conditions. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, and west central Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, 
have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with 
your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

IAZ027-037-047-058-070-200300-
/O.CON.KDMX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Butler-Hardin-Boone-Guthrie-Cass-
Including the cities of Parkersburg, Shell Rock, Aplington,
Atlantic, Greene, Allison, Iowa Falls, Ackley, Dumont, Panora,
Guthrie Center, Casey, Boone, Clarksville, Eldora, and Bayard
709 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 PM CDT THIS 
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds 
  gusting as high as 50 mph.

* WHERE...Boone, Hardin, Butler, Cass, and Guthrie Counties.

* WHEN...Until 10 PM CDT this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous 
  conditions will impact this evening's commute. Strong winds could 
  cause tree damage. The strong winds and falling snow may produce 
  brief periods of near whiteout conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, 
www.511ia.org, or dial 511.

&&

$$

Hagenhoff

232 
WWUS43 KDMX 200202
WSWDMX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
902 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

IAZ006-007-016-017-024>026-034>036-044>046-057-200315-
/O.CAN.KDMX.BZ.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-
Calhoun-Webster-Hamilton-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-
Including the cities of Clear Lake, Hampton, Forest City, Lake
City, Manly, Denison, Mason City, Clarion, Lake Mills, Humboldt,
Eagle Grove, Webster City, Audubon, Carroll, Garner, Northwood,
Jefferson, Pomeroy, Rockwell City, Fort Dodge, Manson, Belmond,
Exira, Kanawha, and Britt
902 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...BLIZZARD WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Falling snow has ended and visibility has improved across the area, 
thus the Blizzard warning has been cancelled. Wind remains breezy 
and travel remains difficult due to lingering impacts.

$$

IAZ027-037-047-058-070-200315-
/O.CAN.KDMX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-250320T0300Z/
Butler-Hardin-Boone-Guthrie-Cass-
Including the cities of Parkersburg, Shell Rock, Aplington,
Atlantic, Greene, Allison, Iowa Falls, Ackley, Dumont, Panora,
Guthrie Center, Casey, Boone, Clarksville, Eldora, and Bayard
902 PM CDT Wed Mar 19 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Falling snow is ending and visibility has improved across the area, 
thus the winter weather advisory has been cancelled. Wind remains 
breezy and travel remains difficult due to lingering impacts.

$$

Hagenhoff

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1155 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

 ...Updated for the 06z Aviation Discussion...

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Warm temperatures and light to breezy winds on Tuesday.

- Another prominent system moves through the state overnight
  Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing the potential for strong to
  severe storms, moderate to heavy snowfall, and strong gradient
  winds to the state.

- Relatively quiet conditions on Thursday, with additional
  precipitation chances through the weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 258 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

Warm, dry and breezy conditions are indicative of the well
mixed boundary layer in place over much of the area this
afternoon, leading to widespread critical fire danger.
Fortunately, while humidity values have plummeted as
temperatures increase, the strongest winds have been drifting
further east with the tighter pressure gradients and jet aloft.
Expecting winds to continue to either persist as they are or
slightly diminish through the afternoon, before becoming light
again as the inversion sets up after sunset tonight. A weak
boundary sags into the state tonight but then stall as surface
low pressure begins to build on the lee side of the Rockies
through the day Tuesday. Breezy winds and warmer temperatures
develop again through the day Tuesday, but increasing dewpoints
will help to mitigate critical fire weather conditions tomorrow.
The low pressure to our west will begin to deepen through
tomorrow and eventually lift north and east into the area along
the boundary as the parent upper level wave progresses east.
This will bring yet another prominent weather system into the
state overnight Tuesday into Wednesday, along with the potential
for strong to severe storms, heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Showers and thunderstorms arrive first with the low pressure
system on Tuesday night into Wednesday as a pocket of elevated
instability approaches with the system. While this instability
won’t be overly robust (~500-1000 J/kg), this wound up system
will have a good amount of shear which will help organize any
stronger updrafts. The primary concern with any stronger storms
would be the potential for severe hail (1”+), although marginal
instability values will likely inhibit the chance for
significant hailstones (2”+). As we get into the late morning
hours on Wednesday, there will be a small window where storms
may become surface based over the southeastern portions of the
forecast area. This would introduce a risk for damaging winds
and even a tornado, due to increasing low level lapse rates with
favorable low level shear and SRH in proximity to the low. At
this time, the storm prediction center still has us in a
marginal risk (level 1 of 5) on both day 2 and day 3 for the
overnight Tuesday elevated convection and potential surface
based storms persisting into Wednesday morning.

Cold air on the backside of the surface low will flip
precipitation over to snowfall as the low progresses eastward.
Strong frontogenetic forcing along the boundary will maximize
over the northwest portions of the state, bringing a band of
moderate to heavy snowfall to the area. Some of the guidance
continues to kick out unrealistically high snowfall amounts over
this area with snowfall rates of 4-5 inches per hour in some
locations. This is likely not realistic but is indicative of the
strong forcing that will be in place with this band. GFS
guidance seems to be a bit more reserved, having a few hours of
1-2 inch per hour rates, which aren’t completely out of the
realm of possibility given the forcing present. As is typical
this time of the year, proximity to the warmer air will keep
SLRs fairly close to 10:1, likely beginning wetter (<10:1) then
slowly becoming slightly drier (>10:1) as the cold northerly air
funnels in. All of this has equated to a band of 6 to 8 inches
across the northwest, with the potential for even higher amounts
embedded within it. That said, there remains some uncertainty
on the location of the band, especially further south and east
where warmer temperatures will increase melting and reduce SLRs.
GFS soundings also indicate there may be some saturation issues
more into central Iowa, further limiting snow chances even when
temperatures cool off later in the day Wednesday. Regardless,
it looks likely there will be an area of heavy, wet snowfall
over the northwestern portions of the state, which combined with
very strong winds will lead to blizzard-like conditions.
Likewise, a sticky snowfall could damage trees and other weaker
structures as they become weighed down and blown around. The
Winter Storm Watch remains in place for Wednesday with no
changes made on this forecast cycle.

Similar to our last blizzard and last weeks severe system, very
strong winds will accompany Wednesday’s system. Increasing
pressure gradients will produce a 50 to 60+ kt jet aloft, which
combined with cold, descending air behind the system could lead
to wind gusts of up to 50 to 60 mph at the surface, while
sustained winds blow at 25 to 35 mph well through the day
Wednesday. For this reason, have collaborated with neighbors to
issue a High Wind Watch for much of the day Wednesday, as these
strong winds maximize right over our forecast area. While these
will be most impactful in areas of falling snow, damage will be
possible anywhere that winds are this strong, including those
outside of the current Winter Storm Watch.

Conditions quiet down again on Thursday, as low pressure departs
to the east and high pressure fills in behind it. This break
will be relatively short-lived as another shortwave tracks
through the area. This system isn’t nearly as strong as those
we’ve been dealing with lately and looks a bit more starved for
moisture as the Wednesday system takes most of the gulf moisture
with it to the east coast. That said, there will be some
moisture return as it passes into the state, bringing mostly
rain chances to the area again Friday night into Saturday. Our
relatively active weather pattern continues through the end of
the forecast period, with yet another system bringing
precipitation chances through on Sunday into Monday. There’s
still differences in guidance regarding the strength and
moisture content of this system, so will continue to monitor it
through the coming days.

&&

.AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 1147 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

VFR conditions continue through this TAF period with mid to
higher level clouds at times. Winds will continue to vary in
direction with a lingering boundary nearby but generally remain
lighter through the overnight before increasing again Tuesday,
especially north and south of the boundary. After a small
decrease early evening, winds become quite strong late Tuesday
night through the overnight. Marginal LLWS at KOTM overnight
tonight, but more likely at least at KOTM, KDSM Tuesday evening
before gradient winds increase to their strong levels late.
Also will be contending with precipitation moving in towards the
end of the TAF period with precip mentions (rain changing to
snow) addressed in future issuances.

&&

.DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Winter Storm Watch from late Tuesday night through late
Wednesday night for IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>037-044>047-
057-058-070.
High Wind Watch from Wednesday morning through Wednesday
evening for IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-
070>075-081>086-092>097.

&&

DISCUSSION...Dodson
AVIATION...KCM

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
422 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

IAZ023>028-033>037-044>047-057-058-070-181100-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Sac-Calhoun-
Webster-Hamilton-Hardin-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Boone-Audubon-
Guthrie-Cass-
422 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

Warm and breezy conditions and low humidities will produce
critical fire weather conditions into mid evening. A Red Flag
Warning is in effect for the area until 8 pm. Please refer to the
National Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for
further details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

Moderate to heavy snow combined with strong winds may produce
blizzard conditions Wednesday. Wind gusts 50 mph or greater are
possible as well. Travel Wednesday may be difficult to impossible
at times. A Winter Storm Watch and a High Wind Watch are in
effect for the area on Wednesday. Please refer to the National
Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further
details.

A few non-severe thunderstorms are also possible early Wednesday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is unlikely, however reports of snow depth and
adverse winter conditions are always appreciated.

IAZ004>007-015>017-181100-
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
422 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

Warm and breezy conditions will produce elevated fire weather
conditions today.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

Moderate to heavy snow combined with strong winds may produce
blizzard conditions Wednesday. Wind gusts 50 mph or greater are
possible as well. Travel Wednesday may be difficult to impossible
at times. A Winter Storm Watch and a High Wind Watch are in
effect for the area on Wednesday. Please refer to the National
Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further
details.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is unlikely, however reports of snow depth and
adverse winter conditions are always appreciated.

IAZ038-039-048>050-059>062-071>075-081>086-092>097-181100-
Grundy-Black Hawk-Story-Marshall-Tama-Dallas-Polk-Jasper-
Poweshiek-Adair-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-Clarke-
Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-
Davis-
422 PM CDT Mon Mar 17 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Tonight

Warm and breezy conditions and low humidities will produce
critical fire weather conditions into this evening. A Red Flag
Warning is in effect for the area until 8pm this evening. Please
refer to the National Weather Service website at
weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday

A period of snow and blowing snow is possible Wednesday afternoon
and evening. Winds may gust to 50 mph or more. A High Wind Watch
is in effect for the area on Wednesday. Please refer to the
National Weather Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for
further details.

A strong thunderstorms with possible Wednesday with strong winds
and hail being the primary concerns.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters may be needed briefly Wednesday.