Heavy Snow in Iowa, February 1, 1998

Mild weather was in place across Iowa as February began. An upper level low pressure system swept out of the southwest U.S. and moved into the central states. The temperatures were marginal for snow. During the early morning hours of the 1st, a weak cold front sank south into Iowa. Enough cold air was drawn south to change rain that was falling over the state to a brief period of freezing rain before changing over to snow. Most areas did not receive much snow, with the southeast counties receiving none at all. A narrow band of heavier snow fall from west central Iowa into the north central counties. Most areas received 2 to 4 inches of snow in this band, however 6 inches fell at Forest City, in Winnebago County and at Britt in Hancock County. Travel was not hampered a great deal, however roads did become slick with some accidents reported.