![]() Polk City reported a total of 12.9 inches of snow while Ames reported a total of 12 inches around 6 a.m. Iowa Sen.Generally, cities within the metro reported snow totals ranging from 8 inches to 12 inches on Saturday.Guest Post: Making Iowa Better for Black Residents By Confronting Those in Power July 27, 2023.Can You Get Some of Facebook’s $725M Settlement? Find Out Here.Take a Free Yoga Class at an Iowa Park This Summer July 27, 2023.Δ Categories Categories Archives Archives Recent Posts The temperature stayed near 10 degrees, but the high winds created wind chills as low as 30 degrees below zero in some areas. The storm also brought high winds and huge snow drifts that covered cars. Iowans saw between 8 and 17 inches depending on where they lived. Iowans had been warned of the storm the entire state was under a blizzard warning but many weren’t prepared for the storm that was about to come. The Blizzard of 2009 almost shattered the previous record from 1951 in terms of average snowfall across the state. Sustained heavy winds gusting upwards of 65 mph created massive snow drifts of up to 16 feet and poor visibility that closed down most of Iowa’s roads until the storm passed. But Belle Plaine and Dubuque received around 20 inches, record snowfall for these cities. Iowa City, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids only received a little over a foot of snow. One of the biggest and worst snowstorms in Iowa history occurred in April of 1973. In Iowa, the saying “April showers bring May flowers” sometimes means snow showers. Blizzard of 1973, April 8-10 Photo courtesy of US National Weather Service Des Moines The storm’s heavy winds and subsequent cold led to 13 reported weather-related deaths throughout the state. The state snowfall average for the Blizzard of 1971 was 10.4 inches. However, Iowa and Nebraska were hit the hardest. This storm- often referred to as the Great Lakes Blizzard -created huge snow drifts up to 12 feet in some areas. The second heaviest snowfall Iowa received came with the Blizzard of 1971. Iowans also had to deal with intermittent power and phone outages. Businesses, schools, and roads were closed. It was the heaviest snowstorm on record in Iowa to this day and the average snowfall across the state was 14.3 inches. Other areas of the state reported between 13 to 20 inches of new snow. The city received 21 inches in just two days. Total snowfall accumulations were off the charts, with Iowa City receiving the highest amount of snowfall for the state through history: 27.2 inches. This slow-moving storm lasted for between 90 and 100 hours depending on the location. The Blizzard of 1951 holds a special place for Iowans because of its length. The extreme cold that blew in after the storm exacerbated the horrible conditions, making them dangerous with temperatures of 20 below and lower. Ames received 24 inches of snow in 24 hours. Des Moines saw its heaviest snowfall on record: 19.8 inches. In his report, “ Outstanding Iowa Storms ,” State Climatologist Paul Waite recounted the 1942 blizzard along with other major Iowa snowstorms that occurred before 1970.ĭuring the New Year’s Day Blizzard of 1942, many towns and cities from Page to Black Hawk counties received at least 2 feet of snow. A giant storm made its way across the country, dumping ample amounts of white stuff in Iowa and throughout the Midwest. Farmers replanted with crops like soybeans and corn instead of expensive apple trees.Īnother major snowstorm in Iowa’s history occurred on New Year’s Day in 1942. The storm destroyed all the apple orchards, most of which were near Winterset. ![]() Second, the Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940 destroyed Iowa’s status as a major fruit-growing state. The severe weather that erupted even led to a tornado near Davenport. ![]() It was in the 40s and 50s in most of Iowa-mild and unsuspecting weather that prevented many from realizing what was coming their way. Two things set this snowstorm apart for Iowa.įirst, there was a drastic drop in temperature throughout the day on Nov. It dumped up to two feet of snow in areas and winds created 20-foot drifts. Millions of turkeys, other fowl, cattle, and other livestock died during the storm. The Armistice Day Blizzard of 1940 not only impacted Iowa, but brought massive amounts of snow and wind to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan, going down in history as one of the biggest snowstorms in the Midwest. 11 Photo courtesy of Notes on Iowa Facebook Page
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