Blizzard conditions prevailed over parts of west central Iowa on January 25th as an upper level low pressure system dropped from South Dakota into the mid Mississippi River Valley while an area of low pressure at the surface tracked from Minnesota and Iowa into the Great Lakes region.  The system brought snow to the region, and a tight pressure gradient between the low and Arctic air spilling in behind it caused very strong winds.  The resultant 35 to 50 mph winds combined with the snow and produced whiteout conditions, especially in open areas, with many roads deemed impassable or nearly so.  The poor visibilities and slick roads caused numerous accidents and prompted the roads department to pull plows from the roads.  Total snowfall from the storm was generally 2 to 4 inches, with much of it falling the day before conditions got exceptionally bad.

Blizzard in HARRISON, IOWA
From 25-JAN-10 09:00:00 to 25-JAN-10 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts over 45 mph caused blizzard conditions over much of the county, especially in open areas.  The winds combined with 2 or 3 inches of new snow to produce substantial blowing and drifting snow and the frequent whiteout conditions.  Many roads were deemed impassable or nearly so by the Iowa Department of Roads which pulled its snowplows.  Several accidents were reported including some along I29 near Missouri Valley.  Some motorists were also stranded.

Blizzard in MONONA, IOWA
From 25-JAN-10 08:00:00 to 25-JAN-10 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts over 45 mph caused blizzard conditions over much of the county, especially in open areas.  The winds combined with 2 or 3 inches of new snow to produce substantial blowing and drifting snow and the frequent whiteout conditions.  Many roads were deemed impassable or nearly so by the Iowa Department of Roads which pulled its snowplows.  Several multi-vehicle accidents were reported on I29, including one with serious injuries.  Some motorists were also stranded for a while.

Blizzard in SHELBY, IOWA
From 25-JAN-10 08:00:00 to 25-JAN-10 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts over 45 mph caused blizzard conditions over much of the county, especially in open areas.  A peak wind gust of 46 mph was measured by the Awos at Harlan.  The winds combined with 2 or 3 inches of new snow to produce substantial blowing and drifting snow and the frequent whiteout conditions.  Many roads were deemed impassable or nearly so by the Iowa Department of Roads which pulled snowplows from the roads.  Several accidents were reported along with some stranded motorists.  Some area schools remained closed the next day due to drifting snow.

Blizzard in POTTAWATTAMIE, IOWA
From 25-JAN-10 10:00:00 to 25-JAN-10 16:00:00 (CST-6)
Reported by: Department of Highways

Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts over 45 mph caused blizzard conditions over much of the county, especially in open areas.  A peak wind gust of 47 mph was measured by the Awos at Council Bluffs.  The winds combined with 2 inches or so of new snow to produce substantial blowing and drifting snow and the frequent whiteout conditions.  Many roads were deemed impassable or nearly so and several accidents were reported.  Some schools in the county were closed the 25th and started late on the 26th because of blowing and drifting snow.