A major winter storm affected Iowa through the 24th and 25th of February.  A powerful upper low moved onto the west coast during the middle of the week, and advanced east through the Rockies during the end of the week.  Strong warm air advection took place over the top of a shallow polar airmass that was in place over Iowa.  The east-southeasterly flow at the surface drew cool and dry air into the state from the east, setting the stage for a significant ice storm.  The main area of precipitation overspread the state during the early morning hours of the 24th and persisted through much of the 25th.  Initially, very warm air aloft meant that the precipitation fell in the form of freezing rain and sleet.  The central and northeast sections of the CWA were most effected with the ice as the southwest warmed to just above freezing.  Ice accumulations ranged from around one quarter of an inch or so along a Carroll to Centerville line, to between one half and on inch over the northeast part of the CWA in the Waterloo, Tama, Marshalltown, to south of Mason City areas.  Widespread tree and power line damage was reported across much of the northeast two thirds of the CWA.  Reports of 345 KV lines down were received from Tama and Black Hawk Couties.  During this time, easterly winds were blowing in the 20 to 40 MPH range, exacerbating the problem.  Tama County reported 75 miles of power lines down.  Butler County reported at least 250 power poles snapped already by the evening of the 24th.  At the height of the storm, at least 265,000 customers were without power.  Interstate Power and Light Company reported that 1000 miles of transmission line was down at one point and 2000 utility poles were snapped in their area covered by Alliant Energy.  MidAmerica Energy reported 360 miles of transmission line down and 1600 utility poles snapped in their area.  Final damage figures for the three utility entities involved in the ice storm were $70,000,000 damage to Alliant Energy equipment, $36,000,000 damage to MidAmerica Energy equipment, and $32,000,000 damage to Rural Electric Cooperative equipment.  These figures are statewide figures and therefore were not entirely within the Des Moines CWA.  The freezing rain changed over to sleet, and eventually snow late on the 24th into the 25th.  Six to twelve inches of snow was common across much of Iowa northwest of a Bedford, to Des Moines, to Grundy Center line.  Some of the heavier amounts include 11.5 inches at Algona in Kossuth County, and 10 inches at Dana in Greene County and Estherville in Emmet County.  Along with the snow, many areas reported occasional visibility near zero in blowing snow on the night of the 24th into the 25th.  Travel became very hazardous with many roads closed due to the combination of snow, blowing snow, fallen wires, and fallen trees.  Numerous activities were canceled on the 25th as well.  By the afternoon of the 25th, Iowa Governor Chet Culver had already given 60 counties the state disaster declaration by the afternoon following the storm.  Subsequently, 46 of the counties, mostly in northeast Iowa, received a Presidential Disaster Declaration.  Some of the hardest hit areas were in Poweshiek, Marshall, Tama, and Black Hawk Counties. Costs in the city of Waterloo, for example, were over $2,000,000 during the first week after the storm. This winter storm went into the books as one of the worst winter storms in many years.  Although ice storms are not documented all that well, this storm appears to be the worst ice storm in Iowa in the past 40 years due to the large areal extent of the storm.  Farther to the south and west the precipitation fell as rain.  Enough rain fell to cause some minor flooding on the Chariton and Middle Rivers.  The Middle River crested about a foot over flood state in Indianola, while the Chariton River crested a little over 2 feet over flood stage in Chariton.

Winter Storm in WRIGHT, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in BUTLER, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in BREMER, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in WEBSTER, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in HAMILTON, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in HARDIN, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in GRUNDY, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in BLACK HAWK, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 2.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in STORY, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in MARSHALL, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in TAMA, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in JASPER, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in POWESHIEK, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 1.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in MAHASKA, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in SAC, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in CALHOUN, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in CARROLL, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in GREENE, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in BOONE, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in DALLAS, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in POLK, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 500.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in MARION, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in MONROE, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in WAPELLO, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in APPANOOSE, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in DAVIS, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in CRAWFORD, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in AUDUBON, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in GUTHRIE, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in CASS, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in ADAIR, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in MADISON, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in WARREN, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in ADAMS, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in UNION, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in TAYLOR, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Flood in ADAIR, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 23:00:00 to 26-FEB-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ADAIR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Winter Storm in EMMET, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in WINNEBAGO, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in WORTH, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in PALO ALTO, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in POCAHONTAS, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Winter Storm in HUMBOLDT, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 03:00:00 to 25-FEB-07 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 250.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Flood in WARREN, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 23:00:00 to 26-FEB-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ADAIR
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Flood in MADISON, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 23:00:00 to 26-FEB-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: BARNEY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Flood in CLARKE, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 23:00:00 to 26-FEB-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: HOPEVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Flood in LUCAS, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 23:00:00 to 26-FEB-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: CHARITON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Flood in DECATUR, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 23:00:00 to 26-FEB-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: (30I)LAMONI MUNI ARP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Flood in WAYNE, IOWA
From 24-FEB-07 23:00:00 to 26-FEB-07 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Location: ALLERTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations