Blizzard conditions impact travel Thursday

Cedar Rapids, Iowa (KCRG) – Road conditions in eastern Iowa are partially or fully covered Thursday morning as snow continues to fall and winds pick up.

The Iowa DOT reports very smooth roads and several crashes across the state, with wind expected to contribute to whiteout conditions on Thursday. Both the DOT and the Iowa State Patrol advise against travel due to reduced visibility. Winds are a nuisance for travelers as blizzard conditions continue to intensify throughout the day into Friday.

Check out the latest road conditions in eastern Iowa here.

Wind

As winds pick up and temperatures drop, blizzard conditions can occur throughout the day. Wind chills could drop to -40 later Thursday as Arctic air continues to pour into the region.

Gusts of wind in excess of 35 miles per hour are snowstorms that obscure visibility and have the greatest impact on travel.

The worst winds will hit eastern Iowa on Friday with gusts of over 50 mph. With these high winds, the blizzard conditions will continue into Saturday morning, and we hope the winds will ease by Saturday evening. White-out conditions can occur in open areas and rural areas.

snow

The amount of snow is irrelevant for this system. A serious effect is due to the snow being blown away by the wind. That makes snow that’s hard to measure, but it looks like it’s going to fall between 4 and 8 inches.

cold

Temperatures will plummet Thursday morning as the Arctic front moves across the state. Make sure temperatures don’t drop below freezing during the day on Thursday until Saturday morning. Due to the cold temperatures, the snow is so light and fluffy that it is easily blown away by the wind. Northwest winds bring dangerously cold temperatures of -20 to -40 degrees. Even during the hottest hours of the day, it feels like his teen or twenties in negativity. You can get frostbite in less than 15 minutes in this cold weather, so dress appropriately. Cover any exposed skin, especially your ears and nose, and limit your time outdoors if possible.

what you can do

If you have travel plans until Saturday morning, you should consider another scenario. It can look difficult and dangerous. Postpone your trip if possible. If you have to hit the road, have a winter weather kit in your car as you may be stuck in the worst of storms for a while.

With the expected chilly air, especially after Thursday, if the wind chill stays below freezing for a few days, bring proper winter clothing to protect yourself from frostbite. Hats, gloves, scarves, and heavy coats are required at this time of year.

Bring a winter survival kit in your car if you need to travel. Includes:

• Full tank of gas

• Jumper cables or jump packs

• Mobile phone charger

• First aid kit

• Flashlight with battery

• Thermal blanket

• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks

Shovel, ice scraper, snow brush

• Emergency flare

Traction litter or cat litter

• Coats, hats, scarves and boots for all travelers

Stay safe and stay up to date with the situation before heading out if necessary. We will continue to provide additional updates on-air via KCRG.com and the KCRG-TV9 First Alert Weather app over the next few days.

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