Recap: Winter Storm (2/28-3/3)

Extended the date of the winter storm due to the winds sticking around and some light snow that enabled the blizzard warning to be extended to 6 am this morning and a Blowing Snow Advisory still in effect currently. Snowfall totals varied widely across the state as some portions received nearly constant snowfall on Thursday afternoon and other parts of the state were affected by the dry air that moved within the low and thus caused a lack of snowfall. Despite the lack of snow over some areas, blizzard conditions were still felt with winds gusting up to near 60 mph Thursday afternoon through Friday. Winds continue to howl from the north/northwest even today and thus why a Blowing Snow Advisory was issued for this afternoon.

Iowa Snow Totals Map

Where the heaviest snowfall occurred in western Iowa, roads are still not in good shape as several remain 'Travel Not Advised'. There is even a couple small stretches that remain closed at this time as crews are continuing to work non-stop to clear roadways. Luckily, there are no other major systems within sight and thus maybe relief is on its' way in a form of warmer temperatures. Highs over the next week should be well above freezing, with mid 40s here in Ames being likely. Thus the rest of the state should see 40 degree temps at least, with some lower 50s likely in eastern Iowa where less snow is on the ground. This warm-up may not be completely welcome though, as if any quick melting occurs the flood threat will increase quickly. As problems were already beginning in southeast Iowa before this storm, more snow upstream with melting could quickly escalate the flood threat.

Ames didn't receive as much snow as areas just to the west, but still dealt with plenty of problems. Roads throughout the area were closed as drifts were high enough to strand cars throughout the middle of the road. Despite this, Iowa State University held classes on Friday without plenty of staff and students being able to make it. This is after they closed early on Thursday without any great knowledge that the snow/wind wouldn't arrive until later that evening. For a view of what occurred Thursday evening, I have a time lapse video up from approximately 5:15 PM to 9 PM of the view out my window:

Time Lapse Video

No major storms in sight, thus a relaxing weekend and next week with the views of Spring Break gleaming in the following week.