DES MOINES, Iowa — A fast-moving cold front is sweeping across Iowa today, bringing snow showers, strong winds, and dangerously cold wind chills, creating hazardous travel conditions from this afternoon into Monday morning.
The National Weather Service warns that snow showers and blowing snow are expected mainly across northern and eastern Iowa later today. While snowfall amounts will be light and not everyone will see snow, brief bursts could sharply reduce visibility, especially when combined with powerful winds.
Behind the cold front, northwest winds will rapidly increase, with gusts reaching 35 to 45 miles per hour across much of the state. The strongest winds are expected this afternoon and evening, making travel difficult at times — particularly for high-profile vehicles.
Timing of the cold front varies by location. It moves through western Iowa this morning, reaches central Iowa late morning into early afternoon, and pushes into eastern Iowa by mid to late afternoon. Once the front passes, conditions will deteriorate quickly as winds strengthen and snow showers develop.
Forecasters also note that the snow will be dry and fluffy, making it especially prone to blowing around. Even small amounts of falling or existing snow could lead to whiteout-like conditions in open and rural areas.
The bigger concern arrives tonight.
As skies clear and winds remain strong, temperatures will plunge, sending wind chills as low as -15 degrees in southwest Iowa and down to -30 degrees in northeast Iowa by early Monday morning. A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect, and residents are urged to limit time outdoors, cover exposed skin, and bring pets indoors.
Drivers are encouraged to use caution, slow down, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, especially during the late afternoon and evening commute.
This is the final planned update unless conditions worsen, but officials urge Iowans to stay alert as winter makes its presence felt once again.
