This was the third winter storm in a month that hit eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa.  An upper level disturbance dropped down out of Canada and closed off over the central plains before moving off to the east.  This system pulled down Arctic air behind it and not only produced strong winds but also dangerously cold wind chill values.  Even though snow amounts from this storm were about half as much or less than the storms that hit in December of 2009, and winds were similar or perhaps even a bit lighter, they lasted a relatively long time.  Plus the new snow from this storm fell on top of a base of older snow that was around 10 to 20 inches over much of the area.  Thus substantial blowing and drifting snow was observed with visibilities frequently 1 mile or less.  In addition, the drifting snow from this storm was possibly worse than the prior two storms and many, if not most, rural roads became impassable for several days, as did many highways and interstates over the region.  Many schools were closed for 3 days from the storm, from the snow and blowing snow at first then because of the drifting snow and dangerously cold wind chills that persisted.
Snow totals were generally 3 to 6 inches from the storm with 6 inches at Nebraska City, around 5 inches at the NWS office near Valley, at Omaha-Eppley, Shubert, and Papillion, Nebraska and at Clarinda and Glenwood, Iowa among the highest reported.

Winter Weather in POTTAWATTAMIE, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 21:00:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Winter Weather in SHELBY, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 17:00:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Winter Weather in FREMONT, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 22:30:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Winter Storm in PAGE, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 07:30:00 to 06-JAN-10 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 3 to 4 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  Around 4.5 inches of snow fell in Clarinda for one of the higher amounts observed in the county.

Winter Weather in MONONA, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 17:00:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Winter Weather in HARRISON, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 17:00:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Cold/Wind Chill in FREMONT, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 21:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to around 5 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of around 20 below during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Winter Weather in MONTGOMERY, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 21:00:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Winter Weather in MILLS, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 21:00:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Winter Storm in FREMONT, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 07:30:00 to 06-JAN-10 22:30:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 3 to 4 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  Around 3.5 inches of snow fell in Shenandoah and Randolph for two of the higher amounts observed in the county.

Cold/Wind Chill in PAGE, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 21:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to around 5 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of around 20 below during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Winter Storm in SHELBY, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 04:00:00 to 06-JAN-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 2 to 3 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  Around 2.5 inches of snow was reported in Harlan for one of the higher amounts observed in the county.  The weight of the snow from this storm and the ones in December caused roof damage to a Harlan area school.

Cold/Wind Chill in MILLS, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to 5 below to 10 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of 20 below to 30 below zero during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Winter Storm in MONTGOMERY, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 07:30:00 to 06-JAN-10 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 3 to 4 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  A little over 3 inches of snow fell in Red Oak for one of the higher amounts observed in the county.

Cold/Wind Chill in MONTGOMERY, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 21:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to around 5 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of around 20 below during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Winter Storm in MONONA, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 02:00:00 to 06-JAN-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 2 to 5 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  Around 4.5 inches of snow was reported in Castana for one of the higher amounts observed in the county.

Cold/Wind Chill in SHELBY, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to 5 below to 10 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of 20 below to 30 below zero during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Extreme Cold/Wind Chill in MONONA, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to 5 below to 10 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of 30 below to 35 below zero during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Winter Storm in HARRISON, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 04:00:00 to 06-JAN-10 17:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 2 to 5 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  Around 4 inches of snow was reported near Little Sioux for one of the higher amounts observed in the county.

Winter Storm in POTTAWATTAMIE, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 06:00:00 to 06-JAN-10 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 3 to 5 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  Around 3 inches of snow was reported near Oakland for one of the higher amounts observed in the county although a little over 5 inches was reported at Omaha-Eppley which is just across the river from the county.

Cold/Wind Chill in HARRISON, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to 5 below to 10 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of 20 below to 30 below zero during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Cold/Wind Chill in POTTAWATTAMIE, IOWA
From 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 to 08-JAN-10 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Arctic air spilled into the region dropping temperatures to 5 below to 10 below zero.  Although winds had decreased into the 15 to 25 mph range, they still produced wind chill values of 20 below to 30 below zero during much of this time period.  Temperatures moderated slightly by midday on the 8th as winds continued to decrease. This allowed a modest recovery in wind chill values by that time.

Winter Weather in PAGE, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 22:30:00 to 07-JAN-10 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Although the accumulating snow had ended by this time, sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts to 40 mph continued to cause areas of blowing snow along with substantial drifting snow.  Visibilities occasionally fell below 1 mile and the persistent drifting snow kept many roads and highways drifted shut at least through this time period and in many cases for a day or two later.  In addition, Arctic air spilling into the region had dropped temperatures to near zero or a bit colder and lowered wind chill values into the minus 15 to minus 25 degree range.

Winter Storm in MILLS, IOWA
From 06-JAN-10 07:30:00 to 06-JAN-10 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: COOP Observer

Snowfall of 3 to 5 inches combined with increasing northwest winds and produced significant blowing and drifting snow across the county.  Northwest winds picked up to 25 to 35 mph with gusts over 40 mph as the snow was ending.  These strong winds then persisted for a few days afterward and caused near-blizzard conditions in open areas and produced substantial drifting that made most rural roads and many highways impassable.  Around 5 inches of snow was reported in Glenwood for one of the higher amounts observed in the county.