A strong low moved from northern Alberta southeast to Lake Superior during the night of the 15th through the day on the 16th. A strong upper level trough was associated with the low. The pressure gradient was strong with winds at the 850 mb level around 50 kts. During the afternoon a pool of very cold air at 850 mb settled into Iowa with temperatures at the core of -24 C. The combination of the atmosphere becoming super-adiabatic during the day and the tightening gradient resulted in strong winds across the state. Winds of 25 to 45 MPH were common with wind gusts over 50 MPH across most of the state. Western Iowa had the highest winds with winds exceeding 58 MPH at several locations. Winds of 61 MPH were reported in Carroll County at Carroll. Atlantic reported a 59 MPH wind gust in Cass County, and a 58 MPH gust was reported in Union County at Creston. Many areas of western Iowa reported sustained winds of 40 MPH. East of the high wind area, a vorticity maximum moved south across central into southeast Iowa. This produced a snow burst with the circulation evident on radar. Thunder accompanied the snow in central Iowa with snowfall of 1 to 3 inches . Visibility was reduced to near zero in heavy snow and blowing snow especially in rural open areas. Visibility increased rapidly as the snow ended as there was no snow on the ground initially, thus blowing snow diminished. Temperatures dropped quickly from the mid 30s into the teens as the snow moved in, allowing for a layer of ice to develop rapidly on roadways. Much of the event hit during the evening commute with several accidents reported with travel becoming hazardous due to the icy conditions and reduced visibilities.

Blizzard in MAHASKA, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 17:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in LUCAS, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 17:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in MONROE, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 17:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in WAPELLO, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 17:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 22:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in BOONE, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 15:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in STORY, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 15:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 18:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in DALLAS, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 15:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 19:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in POLK, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 16:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in WARREN, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 16:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in JASPER, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 16:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in MARION, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 16:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

Blizzard in POWESHIEK, IOWA
From 16-JAN-14 17:00:00 to 16-JAN-14 21:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations