Alert archive / Iowa / High Wind Warnings in 2025

High Wind Warning 3, NWS Des Moines, IA

March 4, 202551 counties in Iowa

NWS Des Moines, IA issued this high wind warning at Mar 4, 2025, 12:40 PM CST for 51 counties in Iowa. It took effect at Mar 4, 2025, 6:00 PM CST. It was in force for 24 hr. 59 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Mar 4, 2025, 12:40 PM CST (18:40 UTC)
In effect from
Mar 4, 2025, 6:00 PM CST
Expired
Mar 5, 2025, 6:00 PM CST
In force
24 hr
Issued by
NWS Des Moines, IA
All 51 counties

Adair County, IA, Adams County, IA, Appanoose County, IA, Audubon County, IA, Black Hawk County, IA, Boone County, IA, Bremer County, IA, Butler County, IA, Calhoun County, IA, Carroll County, IA, Cass County, IA, Cerro Gordo County, IA, Clarke County, IA, Crawford County, IA, Dallas County, IA, Davis County, IA, Decatur County, IA, Emmet County, IA, Franklin County, IA, Greene County, IA, Grundy County, IA, Guthrie County, IA, Hamilton County, IA, Hancock County, IA, Hardin County, IA, Humboldt County, IA, Jasper County, IA, Kossuth County, IA, Lucas County, IA, Madison County, IA, Mahaska County, IA, Marion County, IA, Marshall County, IA, Monroe County, IA, Palo Alto County, IA, Pocahontas County, IA, Polk County, IA, Poweshiek County, IA, Ringgold County, IA, Sac County, IA, Story County, IA, Tama County, IA, Taylor County, IA, Union County, IA, Wapello County, IA, Warren County, IA, Wayne County, IA, Webster County, IA, Winnebago County, IA, Worth County, IA, Wright County, IA

The radar

The Des Moines radar (KDMX), 23 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 18:43 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Mar 4, 8:15 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 461 Sse Audubon, IAAWOS station KADU Audubon Airport.
Mar 4, 8:52 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 592 Wnw Gruver, IA
Mar 4, 8:55 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 453 S Creston, IAAWOS station KCSQ Creston Airport.
Mar 4, 10:07 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 632 Wnw Gruver, IAASOS station KEST Estherville Airport.
Mar 5, 12:22 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 622 Wnw Gruver, IAEstherville ASOS reported a peak gust of 62 mph, with sustained winds of 49 mph.
Mar 5, 12:53 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 582 Ene Lamoni, IALamoni ASOS reported a peak gust of 58 mph, with sustained winds of 33 mph.
Mar 5, 1:53 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 582 S Ames, IAAmes ASOS reported a gust to 58 mph, with sustained winds of 38 mph.
Mar 5, 2:55 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 583 Sw Glidden, IAAWOS station KCIN Carroll Airport.
Mar 5, 2:55 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 583 Wsw Glidden, IACarroll AWOS measured a gust of 58 mph, with sustained winds of 46 mph.
Mar 5, 3:31 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 582 Ssw Prairie City, IAMesonet station NSWI4 Neil Smith NWR.
Mar 5, 4:55 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 622 Wnw Clarion, IAClarion AWOS recorded a gust to 62 mph, with sustained winds of 41 mph.
Mar 5, 5:01 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 622 Wnw Clarion, IAMeasured at Clarion Airport AWOS.
Mar 5, 5:57 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 622 S Ames, IAAWOS station KAMW 2 SSE Ames.
Mar 5, 6:00 AM CSTSNOW 2.22 W Murray, IA
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 2.3Carroll, IAThe Carroll Cooperative Observer reported an estimated 2.3 inches of snowfall.
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 2.8Hampton, IAThe Hampton Cooperative Observer reported 2.8 inches of snowfall.
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 2.8Hampton, IA
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 45 W West Bend, IA
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 4Mason City, IA
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 4.5Forest City, IA
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 5.5Guthrie Center, IA
Mar 5, 7:00 AM CSTSNOW 6Atlantic, IA
Mar 5, 7:24 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 602 Ene Lamoni, IAMeasured at Lamoni Airport.
Mar 5, 7:28 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 682 Ene Lamoni, IAASOS station KLWD Lamoni Airport.
Mar 5, 7:42 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 582 Se Newton, IAMeasured at the Newton Airport.
Mar 5, 7:42 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 61Des Moines Int Airport, IAASOS station KDSM Des Moines International Airport.
Mar 5, 7:52 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND DMGIndianola, IATree fell across front lawn. Report via WHO-TV.
Mar 5, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 11 Wnw Lamoni, IA
Mar 5, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 2Corning, IA
Mar 5, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 2.41 Se Windsor Heights, IA
Mar 5, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 41 Ene Webster City, IA
Mar 5, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 41 Sse Pocahontas, IA
Mar 5, 8:00 AM CSTSNOW 4Creston, IA
Mar 5, 8:01 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 593 W Chariton, IAMeasured at Chariton Airport AWOS.
Mar 5, 9:00 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND DMGBoone, IATree blown over in Boone with adjacent tree leaning severely. Tree fell on power line cutting power to house. Report via WHO-TV.
Mar 5, 9:00 AM CSTSNOW 2Indianola, IA
Mar 5, 9:00 AM CSTSNOW 3Sac City, IA
Mar 5, 9:35 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 593 W Chariton, IAAWOS station KCNC Chariton Airport.
Mar 5, 9:55 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 583 Ssw Knoxville, IAAWOS station KOXV Knoxville Airport.
Mar 5, 9:56 AM CSTSNOW 9Buffalo Center, IA
Mar 5, 10:00 AM CSTBLIZZARD1 Sse Audubon, IASeveral hours of below 1/4 mile visibility along with frequent gusts of 40 mph or greater.
Mar 5, 10:00 AM CSTBLIZZARD2 Wnw Algona, IAVisibilities one quarter mile or below since at least 315am with gusts frequently in excess of 50mph.
Mar 5, 10:00 AM CSTBLIZZARD2 Wnw Clarion, IAVisibilities at 1/4 mile or below since at least 3 am with frequent gusts over 45 mph.
Mar 5, 10:00 AM CSTBLIZZARD3 Wsw Glidden, IASeveral hours of visibilities of 1/4 mile or below in snow or blowing snow along with frequent gusts to 50 mph.
Mar 5, 10:30 AM CSTNON-TSTM WND DMG3 Ne Yale, IAVisibility 1/4 mile or below in snow and blowing snow for at least 6 hours prior to the report time.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND DMG1 Se Ames, IAOutside signage on Caseys canopy torn off and dropped into parking lot. Report via social media.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTSNOW 1.42 Ene Ottumwa, IAStorm Total.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTSNOW 1.7Waterloo Regional Airpo, IAStorm Total.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTSNOW 1.83 S Polk City, IAStorm Total.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTSNOW 2.7Des Moines Int Airport, IAStorm Total.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTSNOW 3Waukee, IAvia social media.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTSNOW 5.5Rockwell City, IAvia social media.
Mar 5, 12:00 PM CSTSNOW 6.3Adair, IAVia social media.
Mar 5, 1:26 PM CSTSNOW 21 Wsw Minburn, IA
Mar 5, 1:44 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 602 S Ames, IA
Mar 5, 1:54 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 59Waterloo Regional Airpo, IA
Mar 5, 2:00 PM CSTSNOW 1Monroe, IAvia social media.
Mar 5, 2:02 PM CSTNON-TSTM WND GST 60Des Moines Int Airport, IA
Mar 5, 3:50 PM CSTSNOW 1Monroe, IAStorm total snowfall.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Omaha, NE (KOAX), launched 12:00Z, 6.7 hours before the alert went out and 230 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Omaha, NE at 12:00Z on 2025-03-04Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 479 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Omaha, NE at 12:00Z on 2025-03-04The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 31 square meters per square second.1939587897117136156Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
479 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-110 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
488 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
85 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
31 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
152 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.1
Supercell composite
0.1

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

743 
WWUS73 KDMX 041840
NPWDMX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1240 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

IAZ004-005-015-023-024-033-034-044-045-050445-
/O.NEW.KDMX.HW.W.0003.250305T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-Pocahontas-Humboldt-Sac-Calhoun-Crawford-
Carroll-
Including the cities of Fonda, Early, Pomeroy, Odebolt, Wall
Lake, Denison, Schaller, Gilmore City, Lake City, Rolfe, Sac
City, Rockwell City, Humboldt, Carroll, Manson, Laurens,
Pocahontas, Estherville, Algona, Emmetsburg, and Lake View
1240 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM CST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.

* WHERE...Humboldt, Kossuth, Emmet, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Calhoun, 
  Carroll, Crawford, and Sac Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult,
  especially for high profile vehicles.


* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds. However, when the snow is falling, near blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

IAZ006-007-016-017-025-026-035-036-046-047-057>059-070-071-081-092-
050445-
/O.NEW.KDMX.HW.W.0003.250305T0300Z-250306T0000Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Wright-Franklin-Webster-
Hamilton-Greene-Boone-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Adams-
Taylor-
Including the cities of Mason City, Adair, Britt, Manly, Stuart,
New Market, Clear Lake, Eagle Grove, Garner, Boone, Hampton,
Clarion, Adel, Corning, Casey, Fontanelle, Bedford, Forest City,
Waukee, Jefferson, Webster City, Exira, Guthrie Center, Audubon,
Northwood, Lenox, Kanawha, Perry, Atlantic, Belmond, Greenfield,
Fort Dodge, Bayard, Panora, and Lake Mills
1240 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM CST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, southwest Iowa.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds.  However, when the snow is falling, near blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

IAZ027-028-037>039-048>050-060>062-072>075-082>086-093>097-050445-
/O.NEW.KDMX.HW.W.0003.250305T0600Z-250306T0000Z/
Butler-Bremer-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Story-Marshall-Tama-Polk-
Jasper-Poweshiek-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Union-Clarke-Lucas-
Monroe-Wapello-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
Including the cities of Dike, Eldora, Waterloo, Wellsburg,
Carlisle, Toledo, Clarksville, Waverly, Grundy Center, Tama,
Centerville, Iowa Falls, Earlham, Pella, Gladbrook, Osceola,
Conrad, Marshalltown, Newton, Ottumwa, Oskaloosa, Corydon,
Knoxville, Humeston, Winterset, Parkersburg, Lamoni, Aplington,
Reinbeck, Cedar Falls, Creston, Chariton, Seymour, Indianola,
Albia, Dysart, Norwalk, Mount Ayr, Dumont, Leon, Shell Rock,
Bloomfield, Allison, Traer, Grinnell, Greene, Des Moines,
Allerton, Ackley, and Ames
1240 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM CST 
WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of east-central, northeast, and southeast Iowa.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds.  However, when the snow is falling, near blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

Fowle
6 follow-up statements
523 
WWUS73 KDMX 042053
NPWDMX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
253 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

IAZ004-005-015-023-024-033-034-044-045-050700-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.250305T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-Pocahontas-Humboldt-Sac-Calhoun-Crawford-
Carroll-
Including the cities of Denison, Emmetsburg, Gilmore City, Lake
City, Odebolt, Early, Manson, Algona, Fonda, Humboldt, Rockwell
City, Laurens, Schaller, Sac City, Lake View, Carroll, Wall Lake,
Rolfe, Estherville, Pocahontas, and Pomeroy
253 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 
PM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.

* WHERE...Humboldt, Kossuth, Emmet, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Calhoun, 
  Carroll, Crawford, and Sac Counties.

* WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult,
  especially for high profile vehicles.


* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds. However, when the snow is falling, blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

IAZ006-007-016-017-025-026-035-036-046-047-057>059-070-071-081-092-
050700-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.250305T0300Z-250306T0000Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Wright-Franklin-Webster-
Hamilton-Greene-Boone-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Adams-
Taylor-
Including the cities of Boone, Perry, Fort Dodge, Lake Mills,
Jefferson, Adel, Hampton, Greenfield, Corning, Belmond, Waukee,
Atlantic, Webster City, Fontanelle, Exira, Kanawha, Clarion,
Manly, Bedford, Clear Lake, Stuart, Guthrie Center, Adair, Casey,
Forest City, Lenox, Audubon, Bayard, Britt, Northwood, Mason
City, Garner, Eagle Grove, Panora, and New Market
253 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 
PM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central Iowa.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds.  However, when the snow is falling, blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

IAZ027-028-037>039-048>050-060>062-072>075-082>086-093>097-050700-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.250305T0600Z-250306T0000Z/
Butler-Bremer-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Story-Marshall-Tama-Polk-
Jasper-Poweshiek-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Union-Clarke-Lucas-
Monroe-Wapello-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
Including the cities of Creston, Ottumwa, Dike, Osceola,
Reinbeck, Pella, Humeston, Wellsburg, Conrad, Norwalk, Allison,
Grundy Center, Cedar Falls, Grinnell, Centerville, Winterset,
Marshalltown, Clarksville, Ames, Shell Rock, Tama, Ackley, Traer,
Oskaloosa, Waterloo, Chariton, Waverly, Carlisle, Des Moines,
Parkersburg, Corydon, Eldora, Allerton, Gladbrook, Aplington,
Albia, Leon, Dysart, Seymour, Greene, Mount Ayr, Earlham, Iowa
Falls, Indianola, Lamoni, Bloomfield, Dumont, Knoxville, Toledo,
and Newton
253 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 6 PM 
CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central Iowa.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds.  However, when the snow is falling, near blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

Cogil
256 
WWUS73 KDMX 050319
NPWDMX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
919 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

IAZ004-005-015-023-024-033-034-044-045-051330-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-Pocahontas-Humboldt-Sac-Calhoun-Crawford-
Carroll-
Including the cities of Rolfe, Early, Humboldt, Pomeroy, Odebolt,
Estherville, Emmetsburg, Wall Lake, Lake View, Schaller,
Pocahontas, Denison, Gilmore City, Laurens, Rockwell City,
Algona, Fonda, Carroll, Manson, Sac City, and Lake City
919 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

* WHERE...Humboldt, Kossuth, Emmet, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Calhoun, 
  Carroll, Crawford, and Sac Counties.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult,
  especially for high profile vehicles.


* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds. However, when the snow is falling, blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

IAZ006-007-016-017-025-026-035-036-046-047-057>059-070-071-081-092-
051330-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Wright-Franklin-Webster-
Hamilton-Greene-Boone-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Adams-
Taylor-
Including the cities of Hampton, Forest City, Waukee, Lenox, Lake
Mills, Adel, Clear Lake, Audubon, Clarion, Corning, Atlantic,
Guthrie Center, Boone, Adair, Stuart, Manly, Casey, Exira, Eagle
Grove, Webster City, Greenfield, New Market, Fontanelle, Mason
City, Garner, Bayard, Bedford, Northwood, Panora, Jefferson,
Britt, Fort Dodge, Kanawha, Perry, and Belmond
919 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...North winds 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

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

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds.  However, when the snow is falling, blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

IAZ027-028-037>039-048>050-060>062-072>075-082>086-093>097-051330-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.250305T0600Z-250306T0000Z/
Butler-Bremer-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Story-Marshall-Tama-Polk-
Jasper-Poweshiek-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Union-Clarke-Lucas-
Monroe-Wapello-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
Including the cities of Winterset, Greene, Ackley, Reinbeck,
Norwalk, Leon, Marshalltown, Des Moines, Ames, Earlham,
Indianola, Toledo, Carlisle, Lamoni, Mount Ayr, Pella, Allerton,
Clarksville, Seymour, Knoxville, Chariton, Dike, Traer, Grinnell,
Dysart, Cedar Falls, Iowa Falls, Shell Rock, Corydon, Allison,
Conrad, Oskaloosa, Dumont, Centerville, Waverly, Ottumwa, Eldora,
Parkersburg, Humeston, Grundy Center, Waterloo, Wellsburg,
Creston, Tama, Bloomfield, Gladbrook, Aplington, Osceola, Albia,
and Newton
919 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST WEDNESDAY...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph 
  expected.

* WHERE...Portions of central, north central, northeast, south 
  central, and southeast Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow may not be occurring for the duration of 
  the high winds.  However, when the snow is falling, near blizzard 
  conditions are expected.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

Donavon
929 
WWUS73 KDMX 050911
NPWDMX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
311 AM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-070>075-081>086-
092>097-051915-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Sac-Calhoun-
Webster-Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-
Boone-Story-Marshall-Tama-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Jasper-
Poweshiek-Cass-Adair-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-
Clarke-Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-
Appanoose-Davis-
Including the cities of Manson, Newton, Humeston, Winterset,
Aplington, Odebolt, Denison, New Market, Toledo, Oskaloosa,
Perry, Humboldt, Boone, Ames, Northwood, Norwalk, Dumont,
Atlantic, Adair, Mason City, Wall Lake, Greenfield, Carlisle,
Grinnell, Waukee, Lenox, Rolfe, Traer, Gladbrook, Reinbeck,
Waterloo, Allerton, Fonda, Emmetsburg, Bedford, Audubon, Allison,
Ackley, Webster City, Schaller, Hampton, Guthrie Center, Lake
Mills, Exira, Centerville, Rockwell City, Casey, Cedar Falls,
Earlham, Tama, Garner, Algona, Laurens, Fort Dodge, Wellsburg,
Conrad, Pocahontas, Dike, Adel, Bayard, Clarksville, Pella,
Stuart, Britt, Eagle Grove, Shell Rock, Knoxville, Des Moines,
Pomeroy, Kanawha, Osceola, Early, Panora, Sac City, Carroll, Lake
View, Lamoni, Iowa Falls, Clarion, Albia, Estherville,
Marshalltown, Bloomfield, Grundy Center, Lake City, Eldora, Mount
Ayr, Corydon, Parkersburg, Forest City, Fontanelle, Indianola,
Chariton, Jefferson, Seymour, Manly, Leon, Dysart, Greene,
Corning, Ottumwa, Clear Lake, Belmond, Waverly, Creston, and
Gilmore City
311 AM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

* WHERE...Most of Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$

Lee
240 
WWUS73 KDMX 051757
NPWDMX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1157 AM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

IAZ004>007-015>017-023>028-033>039-044>050-057>062-070>075-081>086-
092>097-060000-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-
Pocahontas-Humboldt-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Sac-Calhoun-
Webster-Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-
Boone-Story-Marshall-Tama-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Polk-Jasper-
Poweshiek-Cass-Adair-Madison-Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-
Clarke-Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-
Appanoose-Davis-
Including the cities of Oskaloosa, Lake Mills, Dysart, Lenox,
Schaller, Grinnell, Manson, Garner, Rockwell City, Chariton,
Exira, Pomeroy, Ottumwa, Manly, Knoxville, Bedford, Waverly,
Gilmore City, Toledo, Pella, Allison, Centerville, Earlham, Ames,
Norwalk, Newton, Greenfield, Laurens, Fort Dodge, Lake View,
Greene, Fonda, Adel, Sac City, Casey, Belmond, Eldora, Ackley,
Clarion, Lake City, Bloomfield, Carlisle, Osceola, Wall Lake,
Humboldt, Dumont, Dike, Allerton, Estherville, Kanawha,
Jefferson, Stuart, Conrad, Creston, Odebolt, Shell Rock, Des
Moines, Aplington, Tama, New Market, Adair, Cedar Falls, Early,
Wellsburg, Atlantic, Northwood, Denison, Mason City, Webster
City, Audubon, Waukee, Grundy Center, Mount Ayr, Guthrie Center,
Perry, Pocahontas, Indianola, Corning, Lamoni, Reinbeck, Clear
Lake, Parkersburg, Waterloo, Leon, Eagle Grove, Humeston, Rolfe,
Hampton, Britt, Corydon, Gladbrook, Marshalltown, Carroll,
Panora, Winterset, Boone, Fontanelle, Forest City, Albia,
Emmetsburg, Iowa Falls, Algona, Traer, Seymour, Clarksville, and
Bayard
1157 AM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 65 mph.

* WHERE...All of Central Iowa

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$
875 
WWUS73 KDMX 052043
NPWDMX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
243 PM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

IAZ004-005-015-023-024-033>035-044>046-057>059-070>075-081>086-
092>097-060000-
/O.CAN.KDMX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KDMX.WI.Y.0003.250305T2043Z-250306T0000Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-Pocahontas-Humboldt-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-
Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-
Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-Clarke-Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-
Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
Including the cities of Oskaloosa, Lamoni, Indianola, Stuart,
Fort Dodge, Lake View, Lenox, Schaller, Manson, Creston, Fonda,
Corning, Odebolt, Adel, Jefferson, Rockwell City, Chariton, Leon,
Exira, Sac City, Pomeroy, Ottumwa, New Market, Casey, Humeston,
Knoxville, Rolfe, Adair, Bedford, Corydon, Carroll, Early,
Gilmore City, Panora, Lake City, Winterset, Carlisle, Osceola,
Atlantic, Fontanelle, Bloomfield, Wall Lake, Denison, Pella,
Albia, Humboldt, Centerville, Audubon, Earlham, Waukee,
Emmetsburg, Mount Ayr, Algona, Seymour, Allerton, Norwalk,
Estherville, Guthrie Center, Perry, Greenfield, Laurens,
Pocahontas, and Bayard
243 PM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

...WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...
...HIGH WIND WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of northwest into western and southern Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree 
  limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds will continue to cause blowing 
  snow at times which may lead to slick travel conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high 
profile vehicles. Use extra caution.

&&

$$

IAZ006-007-016-017-025>028-036>039-047>050-060>062-060000-
/O.CON.KDMX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-
Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Boone-Story-Marshall-Tama-Polk-
Jasper-Poweshiek-
Including the cities of Lake Mills, Dysart, Reinbeck, Clear Lake,
Greene, Grinnell, Conrad, Parkersburg, Garner, Shell Rock, Des
Moines, Waterloo, Eagle Grove, Aplington, Tama, Belmond, Manly,
Eldora, Hampton, Ackley, Britt, Clarion, Waverly, Marshalltown,
Cedar Falls, Gladbrook, Wellsburg, Boone, Northwood, Toledo,
Forest City, Allison, Mason City, Dumont, Webster City, Dike,
Iowa Falls, Grundy Center, Ames, Traer, Clarksville, Newton, and
Kanawha
243 PM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central into northeast Iowa.

* WHEN...Until 6 PM CST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds may blow down trees and power lines. 
  Widespread power outages are possible. Travel will be difficult, 
  especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds will continue to cause blowing 
  snow at times which may lead to slick travel conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and 
avoid windows. Watch for falling debris and tree limbs. Use caution 
if you must drive.

&&

$$
201 
WWUS73 KDMX 052343
NPWDMX

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
543 PM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

IAZ006-007-016-017-025>028-036>039-047>050-060>062-060045-
/O.EXP.KDMX.HW.W.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Winnebago-Worth-Hancock-Cerro Gordo-Wright-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-
Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-Black Hawk-Boone-Story-Marshall-Tama-Polk-
Jasper-Poweshiek-
Including the cities of Dysart, Garner, Hampton, Lake Mills,
Northwood, Eagle Grove, Waterloo, Shell Rock, Traer, Mason City,
Conrad, Aplington, Marshalltown, Ames, Wellsburg, Des Moines,
Cedar Falls, Parkersburg, Greene, Reinbeck, Clear Lake, Kanawha,
Webster City, Gladbrook, Belmond, Eldora, Iowa Falls, Waverly,
Clarksville, Boone, Manly, Newton, Forest City, Tama, Grundy
Center, Allison, Dumont, Ackley, Toledo, Grinnell, Dike, Britt,
and Clarion
543 PM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

...HIGH WIND WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

Wind speeds have diminished enough to allow the high wind warning to 
expire.  A few locations over east central Iowa may still see wind 
gusts to around 40 mph until 7 pm and to 35 mph through 8 to 9 pm.  
This may result in some minor blowing snow on roads and create some 
slick areas - please continue to use caution while traveling.

$$

IAZ004-005-015-023-024-033>035-044>046-057>059-070>075-081>086-
092>097-060045-
/O.EXP.KDMX.WI.Y.0003.000000T0000Z-250306T0000Z/
Emmet-Kossuth-Palo Alto-Pocahontas-Humboldt-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-
Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-
Warren-Marion-Mahaska-Adams-Union-Clarke-Lucas-Monroe-Wapello-
Taylor-Ringgold-Decatur-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
Including the cities of Ottumwa, Knoxville, Stuart, Rolfe,
Osceola, Leon, Exira, Lake View, Emmetsburg, Fort Dodge,
Jefferson, Seymour, Norwalk, Audubon, Fontanelle, Oskaloosa,
Laurens, Manson, Fonda, Gilmore City, Mount Ayr, Allerton,
Pocahontas, Perry, Humeston, Guthrie Center, Denison, Casey, Sac
City, Adair, Indianola, New Market, Waukee, Pella, Bloomfield,
Rockwell City, Bayard, Corning, Adel, Greenfield, Atlantic,
Creston, Lamoni, Early, Corydon, Estherville, Humboldt, Albia,
Odebolt, Pomeroy, Bedford, Earlham, Winterset, Centerville,
Carroll, Chariton, Lenox, Carlisle, Lake City, Schaller, Algona,
Panora, and Wall Lake
543 PM CST Wed Mar 5 2025

...WIND ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT 6 PM CST THIS EVENING...

Wind speeds have diminished and thus the advisory will be allowed to 
expire.  Wind gusts up to 30 to 35 mph will be possible at times 
through 8 to 9 pm. Please use caution if traveling early this 
evening in a high profile vehicle. This may result in some minor 
blowing snow on roads and create some slick areas - please continue 
to use caution while traveling.

$$

REV

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this high wind warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Des Moines, IA wrote its last area forecast discussion before this high wind warning went out at Mar 4, 12:11 PM CST, 29 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Blizzard conditions with intense winds gusting to around or over 60 mph tonight into Wednesday - Blizzard Warning and High Wind Warning in effect
  • Showers and storms today with 0.75 to 1.75 inches of rainfall expected. At least low lying ponding and rises on area streams are expected. Ice jam flooding is also possible.
  • A band of snow across central Iowa Thursday night into Friday bears watching.
Area forecast discussion, Mar 4, 12:11 PM CST, 29 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
1211 PM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

 ...Updated for the 18z Aviation Discussion...

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Blizzard conditions with intense winds gusting to around or
  over 60 mph tonight into Wednesday - Blizzard Warning and
  High Wind Warning in effect

- Showers and storms today with 0.75 to 1.75 inches of rainfall
  expected. At least low lying ponding and rises on area
  streams are expected. Ice jam flooding is also possible.

- A band of snow across central Iowa Thursday night into Friday
  bears watching.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 419 AM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

The main focus of this forecast cycle continues to be on the very
potent, early spring storm that will bring multiple hazards to the
state over the next 36 hours. GOES-East Nighttime Microphysics RGB
shows clouds over much of the state with Geostationary Lightning
Mapper (GLM) showing plenty of lightning strikes over central Iowa
as a wing of showers and storms moves through. These storms have
been able to produce hail utilizing the at least 500 J/kg of MUCAPE
per the latest SPC mesoanalysis. Pea to dime sized hail has been the
most common sized hail with reports at the Des Moines Airport and
around the Des Moines metro as well as in Boone. These storms will
slide off to the northeast and be largely out of our central Iowa
service area by around sunrise. Also shown in the Nighttime
Microphysics RGB imagery is dust that was swept up yesterday
afternoon over the southern Plains by the strong, gusty winds there
and lofted into the air and now being carried northeastward by the
prevailing winds. In the past, cars and other objects that are
outside during the rain may have dirty spots after the rain dries.

All of this activity this morning is ahead of intensifying surface
low pressure that is spinning over western Kansas per Air Mass RGB.
There is a tremendous amount of moisture being advected northward
from the Gulf of the 295K isentropic surface. This moisture along
with increasing QG convergence will result in renewed showers and
thunderstorms moving into the state later this and more so this
afternoon as the surface low nears the Missouri border by sunset
tonight. A marginal risk of severe storms, namely small hail,
remains possible in southeastern Iowa, though the parameter
space along with a saturated column should limit those concerns. Rain
totals of 0.75 to 1.75 inches will be common by that time over
much of central Iowa. While we have been dry, there is concern
about some hydro issues due to frost still in the ground. See
the hydrology discussion below for more details.

Colder air will wrap into the state this afternoon over northwest
Iowa as the low nears the Missouri border and then across the
remainder of central Iowa tonight as it moves to near Keokuk by
midnight. This will result in a change from rain to snow with this
changeover occurring rapidly such that we are not expected much if
any mixed precipitation as far as sleet or freezing rain. At the
same time as the temperatures begin to fall, winds will go from
relatively light to a rapid increase due to the pressure gradient
tightening on the backside of the low pressure. Forecast soundings
are fully in agreement of 50 knot winds at the top of the mixed
layer over nearly all of central Iowa. Over northern and western
Iowa, the high resolution models such as the HRRR and RAP and the
latest HREF show even higher top of mixed layer winds of at least 60
knots with winds approaching 70 knots over parts of western Iowa.
With the cold air advection ongoing along with an anonymously high
pressure gradient strength, have converted all of the High Wind
Watch to a Warning.

Obviously, these winds with rain changing to snow will result in
blizzard conditions. The deformation zone of precipitation with
strong low level frontogenetical forcing and even conditional
symmetric instability (CSI) will result in high snow rates. Latest
SREF has a 50 to 60% chance of 1"/hr rates in a band right behind
the transition line that may last for a few hours at any given
location. These rates with the winds increasing will result in
whiteout conditions and significant visibility reductions down to a
quarter of a mile, particularly in open, rural areas. While snow
rates will lessen through the morning hours and largely be done by
midday Wednesday over central Iowa, winds will be maximizing
Wednesday morning and this should lead to continued significant
blowing and drifting snow along with similar visibility reductions.
This all despite no snow on the ground going into the event and
while it may take a few hours to get a snowpack as the initial snow
becomes melts and creates a slushy and later frozen bottom. So, not
surprising that we have converted the Winter Storm Watch to a
Blizzard Warning with the addition of a few counties on the
southeast side. While snow amounts are not impressive, they don't
have to be for a blizzard warning since only visibility reductions
to and under a quarter of a mile and frequent winds over 35 mph are
needed. Snow amounts have continued their trend upward and now have
a band of 3 to 6 inches from around Atlantic up into north central
Iowa. It will be tough to verify this with all the blowing snow.
Winds will decrease through the afternoon Wednesday with conditions
dry Wednesday night through Thursday.

While much of the attention to the forecast was with the
aforementioned system, trends are being watched for a possible
impactful system Thursday night into Friday. Strong theta-e
advection and QG convergence arrives ahead of surface low pressure.
This will have a mixture of precipitation types, but a band of snow
across central Iowa is looking increasingly likely.

&&

.AVIATION /18Z TAFS THROUGH 18Z WEDNESDAY/...
Issued at 1150 AM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

Degrading aviation conditions are expected through the rest of
the day and overnight as rain becomes more widespread south to
north through the afternoon hours with lowering ceilings and
visibilities to accompany. Winds will then also be on the
increase through the rest of the day, becoming quite strong
northwest to southeast through the evening hours with winds out
of the northwest sustained between roughly 25 and 35 knots and
gusts to 40 to 50 knots or more continuing through much of the
day Wednesday. Rain then changes over to snow overnight with
significant visibility reductions while snow is falling given
the expected strong winds. This will ultimately create LIFR to
VLIFR conditions for several hours through the overnight into
morning hours with limited improvement until after the snow
stops falling. At that point, there is uncertainty in the
visibilities and how fast they will improve with blowing snow
remaining in the strong winds. Updates in timing and impacts
likely as conditions change.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 514 AM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

As mentioned above, this early spring system is bringing a lot of
moisture into the state with rain totals of 0.75 to 1.75 expected.
This area lines up well with the latest excessive rainfall
outlook, which has the slight risk south of I-80 with a marginal
risk in most other areas. While we have been dry, this has not
removed concerns about hydrologic issues. And we are fortunate
that we do not have any existing snowpack on the ground that
would lead to additional runoff. A big reason for this concern
is driven by frost still in the ground across Iowa with our
office reporting a 24 inch frost depth with 3 inches of thaw at
the top and Toledo reporting a 16 inch frost depth with 5 inches
of thaw at the top. So while some infiltration can occur,
ponding of water in low lying areas is expected along with
increased runoff. The National Water Center's experimental Flood
Hazard Outlook continues to advertise limited potential
flooding impacts over much of our forecast area. Any concern for
flash flooding from rainfall, which seems quite low, would seem
to be driven by rates over an urban area.

Now, for our rivers, there will be responses due to this rainfall.
USGS monthly streamflow compared to historical range from much below
normal to normal meaning that there is some capacity. The more
conservative ensemble QPF river forecasts show a few places in
southern Iowa reaching minor flood stage if we receive about
another 1.5 inches more rain than currently forecast. Similarly,
the conservative Hydrologic Ensemble Forecast System (HEFS)
output's reasonable worst case scenario only shows a few points
to action stage. However, the 5 day GFS-forced National Water
Model (NWM) continues to show basins in southern into parts of
central Iowa, including the Skunk, Des Moines and tributaries
south of Des Moines, the Chariton, and Grand with a 50% or
higher high water probability, which corresponds to around
bankfull to minor flooding. Farther north, ice remains on rivers
and this is where the rainfall could lead to potential isolated
ice jams and resultant ice jam flooding.

&&

.DMX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
Blizzard Warning from 9 PM this evening to 3 PM CST Wednesday
for IAZ004>007-015-016-023>025-033>035-044>046-057-058-070.
High Wind Warning from 9 PM this evening to 3 PM CST Wednesday
for IAZ004>007-015-016-023>025-033>035-044>046-057-058-070.
Blizzard Warning from midnight tonight to 3 PM CST Wednesday
for IAZ017-026>028-036>039-047>049-059>061-071>074-081>084-
092>094.
High Wind Warning from midnight tonight to 3 PM CST Wednesday
for IAZ017-026>028-036>039-047>050-059>062-071>075-081>086-
092>097.

&&

DISCUSSION...Ansorge
AVIATION...KCM
HYDROLOGY...Ansorge
Hazardous weather outlook, Mar 4, 4:37 AM CST, 8 hours 3 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Des Moines IA
437 AM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

IAZ004>007-015-016-023>025-033>035-044>046-057-058-070-051045-
Emmet-Kossuth-Winnebago-Worth-Palo Alto-Hancock-Pocahontas-
Humboldt-Wright-Sac-Calhoun-Webster-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-
Audubon-Guthrie-Cass-
437 AM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight

A Blizzard Warning and a High Wind Warning is in effect for the
area tonight into Wednesday. Please refer to the National Weather
Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

A Blizzard Warning and a High Wind Warning is in effect for the
area Wednesday. Please refer to the National Weather Service
website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

A band of snow is forecast Thursday night into Friday over some
portion of central Iowa.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated, however reports of rain,
snow and any wind damage are always appreciated.

IAZ017-026>028-036>039-047>050-059>061-071>074-081>084-092>094-
051045-
Cerro Gordo-Franklin-Butler-Bremer-Hamilton-Hardin-Grundy-
Black Hawk-Boone-Story-Marshall-Tama-Dallas-Polk-Jasper-Adair-
Madison-Warren-Marion-Adams-Union-Clarke-Lucas-Taylor-Ringgold-
Decatur-
437 AM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight

A Blizzard Warning and a High Wind Warning is in effect for the
area tonight into Wednesday. Please refer to the National Weather
Service website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

A Blizzard Warning and a High Wind Warning is in effect for the
area Wednesday. Please refer to the National Weather Service
website at weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

A band of snow is forecast Thursday night into Friday over some
portion of central Iowa.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated, however reports of rain,
snow and any wind damage are always appreciated.

IAZ062-075-085-086-095>097-051045-
Poweshiek-Mahaska-Monroe-Wapello-Wayne-Appanoose-Davis-
437 AM CST Tue Mar 4 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Iowa.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight

A High Wind Warning is in effect for the area tonight into
Wednesday. Please refer to the National Weather Service website
at weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

A High Wind Warning is in effect for the area Wednesday. Please
refer to the National Weather Service website at
weather.gov/desmoines for further details.

A brief period of blowing snow is also possible Wednesday morning
as rain transitions over to snow.

A band of snow is forecast Thursday night into Friday over some
portion of central Iowa.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not anticipated, however reports of rain,
snow and any wind damage are always appreciated.

The office that day

Everything else NWS Des Moines, IA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Mar 4, 2:36 AM CSTHigh Wind WarningDMXAdair, Adams, Appanoose, Audubon, Black Hawk, Boone and 45 more36 hr
Mar 4, 11:51 AM CSTBlizzard WarningDMXAdair, Adams, Audubon, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer and 37 more27 hr
Mar 4, 2:50 PM CSTWinter Weather AdvisoryDMXAppanoose, Audubon, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Butler and 33 more27 hr

Nearby

High Wind Warnings in Iowa, 2025Every high wind warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.