A western upper level trough underwent lee cyclogenesis over the central Rockies and into the central Plains. Strong moisture transport out of the Gulf region and from the pacific northwest into the system with strong lift within the dendritic growth zone made for periods of moderate to heavy snow with rates exceeding an inch per hour. Precipitation began with a very narrow window of drizzle before transitioning over to snow behind the cold front. Strong winds behind the front gusted over 40 mph behind the front, resulting in blizzard or near blizzard conditions across much of northern and into central Iowa. The high shear also allowed for the development of horizontal convective rolls over northern Iowa, causing rapid reductions in visibility within the rolls. A number of car accidents occurred due to reduced visibility and slick road conditions including two multi car pile ups. A 30 car pile up in Jasper county and a 10 car pile up in Polk county. Non-traditional sources such as impacts, webcams, and spotter reports, were evaluated to classify this event as a Blizzard over rural areas.

Blizzard in GRUNDY, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Blizzard in JASPER, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in WRIGHT, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in CERRO GORDO, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard in MAHASKA, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in MARION, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in POWESHIEK, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in HANCOCK, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in TAMA, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in KOSSUTH, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 04:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in BLACK HAWK, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard in MARSHALL, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 13:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in WORTH, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in HAMILTON, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in WINNEBAGO, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 09:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in EMMET, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 04:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 08:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

Blizzard in STORY, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 11:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in BREMER, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Blizzard in BUTLER, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Blizzard in HARDIN, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in FRANKLIN, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 06:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 12:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in POLK, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 07:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: AWOS

Blizzard in WAPELLO, IOWA
From 04-FEB-21 10:00:00 to 04-FEB-21 14:00:00 (CST-6)
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS