A strong winter storm dumped 8 to 12 inches of snow across most of northeast Iowa from February 23rd into the 24th. As the snow was winding down, the winds increased with sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph common along with gusts of 45 to 55 mph. This created blizzard conditions for much of the 24th with major drifting, white-outs and numerous road closures. The effects of the blizzard continued into the 25th when most schools were closed. The highest reported snowfall amount was 12 inches in Carpenter (Mitchell County) and the highest recorded wind gust was 55 mph by the automated weather observing equipment at the Oelwein airport (Fayette County). In New Hampton (Chickasaw County) between 40 and 50 stranded motorists were housed in emergency shelters set up in a local church and museum. A state of emergency was declared in Mitchell County.

Blizzard in CHICKASAW, IOWA
From 23-FEB-19 20:00:00 to 24-FEB-19 17:15:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that 7 to 8 inches of snow fell across Chickasaw County. As the snow was ending, winds increased to 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts that created major drifting, white-outs and road closures, including U.S. Highway 63. The impacts from the blizzard conditions caused schools to be closed on February 25th. The highest reported snowfall total was 8 inches in New Hampton. The highest recorded wind gust was 48 mph by a mesonet station near Ionia. Emergency shelters were set up at a local church and museum in New Hampton to house between 40 and 50 stranded motorists.

Blizzard in FLOYD, IOWA
From 23-FEB-19 20:00:00 to 24-FEB-19 17:35:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that 7 to 8 inches of snow fell across Floyd County. As the snow was ending, winds increased to 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts that created major drifting, white-outs and road closures, including U.S. Highways 18 and 218. The impacts from the blizzard conditions caused schools to be closed on February 25th. The highest reported snowfall total was 8 inches near Nora Springs. The highest recorded wind gust was 51 mph by the automated weather observing equipment at the Charles City airport.

Blizzard in HOWARD, IOWA
From 23-FEB-19 20:30:00 to 24-FEB-19 18:35:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that 6 to 7 inches of snow fell across Howard County. As the snow was ending, winds increased to 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts that created major drifting, white-outs and road closures, including U.S. Highway 63 and State Highway 9. Over 30 vehicles became stuck on roads across the county. The impacts from the blizzard conditions caused schools to be closed on February 25th. The highest reported snowfall total was 7 inches in Elma.

Blizzard in WINNESHIEK, IOWA
From 23-FEB-19 21:00:00 to 24-FEB-19 15:35:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that 4 to 6 inches of snow fell across Winneshiek County. As the snow was ending, winds increased to 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts that created major drifting, white-outs and road closures resulting in travel not being advised. The impacts from the blizzard conditions caused schools to be closed on February 25th. The highest recorded wind gust was 51 mph by the automated weather observing equipment at the Decorah airport.

Blizzard in MITCHELL, IOWA
From 23-FEB-19 20:00:00 to 24-FEB-19 17:35:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that 9 to 12 inches of snow fell across Mitchell County. As the snow was ending, winds increased to 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts that created major drifting, white-outs and road closures, including U.S. Highway 218 and State Highway 9. The impacts from the blizzard conditions caused schools to be closed on February 25th. A state of emergency was declared for the county. The highest reported snowfall total was 12 inches in Carpenter.

Blizzard in FAYETTE, IOWA
From 23-FEB-19 20:30:00 to 24-FEB-19 16:55:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

COOP and volunteer snow observers reported that up to 4 inches of snow fell across Fayette County. As the snow was ending, winds increased to 25 to 35 mph with higher gusts that created major drifting, white-outs and road closures, including State Highway 150. The impacts from the blizzard conditions caused schools to be closed on February 25th. The highest recorded wind gust was 55 mph by the automated weather observing equipment at the Oelwein airport.