A large winter storm, producing heavy snow and strong winds, affected northeast Iowa from December 8 through December 9. As the storm system approached, it strengthened and produced strong northwest winds that gusted to 45 mph at times, leading to significant drifting and blowing snow. Visibilities were reduced to near zero in many locations, especially in open country, where blizzard conditions prevailed. Snow drifts of 4 to 6 feet were common by the morning of December 9, with numerous roads nearly impassable. Snow plows had difficulty keeping roads open, especially in rural areas. Highest snowfall totals were between 10 and 15 inches. Specific reports from weather observers included 14.5 inches at Strawberry Point (Clayton County), 14.0 inches at Oelwein (Fayette County) and 13.5 inches at Millville (Clayton County).

Winter Storm in ALLAMAKEE, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Blizzard in MITCHELL, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Visibility was near zero due to blowing snow. Sustained winds of 29 mph were reported at St. Ansgar at 10:19 a.m. on December 9.

Blizzard in WINNESHIEK, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Visibility was very low due to blowing snow. A peak wind gust of 37 mph was recorded by the automated weather observing system at the Decorah Municipal airport at 11:15 a.m. on December 9.

Blizzard in CHICKASAW, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Visibility was near zero due to blowing snow. A peak wind gust of 40 mph was recorded by an automated weather station near New Hampton at 1:35 p.m. on December 9.

Blizzard in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

The combination of falling snow, wind, and blowing snow made for dangerous conditions and made travel impossible across the county.  A peak wind gust of 44 mph was recorded by the automated weather observing system at the Oelwein airport during the late morning hours of December 9th.  During this time period visibilities were at 3/4 of a mile or less.

Blizzard in HOWARD, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Whiteouts were reported throughout the area. A peak wind gust of 38 mph was recorded at the Elma cooperative weather observing site at 1:55 p.m. on December 9.

Blizzard in CLAYTON, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Conditions varied quite a bit across the county, but areas did experience white out conditions and significant drifting leading to dangerous travel.

Blizzard in FLOYD, IOWA
From 08-DEC-09 03:00:00 to 09-DEC-09 15:30:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Visibility was below one quarter of a mile in blowing snow. A peak wind gust of 48 mph was recorded by the automated weather observing system at the Charles City Municipal airport during the early morning hours of December 9th.