Damaging Wind in Iowa, January 26, 1996

A strong low pressure area developed over the Texas Panhandl and tracked northeast across Missouri, through southeast Iowa. Very strong dynamics were in place with the low and the result was a rather explosive development of the precipitation shield. An Arctic cold front had passed through the state the previous day, setting the stage for an extended period of over running snow. Snow broke out during the the early morning hours of the 26th and expanded rapidly over the southeast three quarters of Iowa. During the mid day hours, thunderstorms developed in many areas, especially over the central part of the state. The most intense thunderstorm activity was centered in the Des Moines area. Thunderstorms produced hail up to one half inch in diameter in Ankeny and produced a wind gust of 64 MPH just before 1300 CST. A second storm producd a 59 MPH wind gust around 1500 CST in Ankeny. Snowfall around the thunderstorms accumulated at the rate of nearly 3 inches pe hour. A broad band of heavy snow fell over southwest, into central, and northeast Iowa. The heaviest band was about 35 miles wide and extended from southwest of Des Moines, northeast to just south of Waterloo, to north of Dubuque. Snowfall in excess of 12 inches occured in this are. Some of the heavier totals included 17 inches at Derby, 15 inches in Calmar and Cascade, 14.5 inches in Lowden, 14 inches at Cascade, 13.7 inches at Johnston, Ankeny, and Webster City, and 13 inches at Carlisle, Strawberry Point, and Conrad. Many places reported around a foot of new snow. Snow tapered off on either side of the heavy snow band, however all areas received at least 4 to 6 inches, even outside of the heavy snow area. The only part of the state that received less was a small area in west central Iowa where amounts were in the 2 to 4 inch range. There were some reports of roof collapses due to the heavy accumulation of snow. One was the roof of the Vogal Paint Center in Waterloo. A 20 x 30 foot section of the roof collapsed under the weight of the snow causing an estimated $200,000 in damage. Blizzard conditions developed by the mid day hour. North winds of 30 to 40 MPH were reported statewide, with occasional gusts to between 50 and 55 MPH. Whiteouts were reported everywhere with visibility no greater than 1/8 mile anywhere in the state. All school districts were closed, most businesses closed early, and travel became impossible. Thousands of cars and trucks were in the ditches with many thousands of people stranded or in shelters. By evening, most highways were impassible and road crews were called off the roads. Interstate 35 ws closed from Ames north to the Minnesota border. Interstate 80 was closed east of Grinnell. The Governor declared a state of emergency at 1745 CST. Snow drifts of 6 to 8 feet were common, with several reports of drifts 10 to 15 feet high. By the evening of the 26th, nearly all activity in the southeast half of the state had ceased. The storm claimed two lives near Grinnell. Two males became stranded in deep snow out on the highway. Attempting to keep out of the elements and avoid freezing to death, they succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. The engine of the car subsequently started on fire and they burned to death.