Winter Storm: Feb. 26 Recap

The bulk of the storm has moved off into the Great Lakes region, with some lingering thunderstorms across the central plains (MO/AR). Behind the system, strong northwest winds along with some lingering precipitation are still creating some hazardous conditions. Those that received several tenths of freezing rain today are now seeing some power problems due to the winds bouncing the power lines. Road conditions currently indicate that much of north-central and northwest Iowa has ice/sleet covering them. Parts of northern Iowa may see some light to moderate snow overnight as the wrap-around precipitation from the strong low moves to the south out of Minnesota.

The Des Moines NWS did not receive any significant reports of ice accumulation and sleet, with many areas receiving less than a tenth of an inch of ice or less than a half inch of sleet. The more impressive reports may have been with the up to an inch diameter hail that fell within the Des Moines metro just after Noon. You can read the entire summary of their local storm report's here: Des Moines NWS LSR's

Sioux Falls NWS and northwest Iowa received some more impressive amounts, with nearly a quarter-inch of ice accumulation near Spencer this morning. A new report this evening from Spirit Lake mentions that they have just over an inch of snow with a glaze of ice as well. You can read the Sioux Falls NWS listing of local storm reports here: Sioux Falls NWS LSR's

Both Omaha and Davenport NWS offices saw mainly rain across their region, thus the lack of winter-type reports. Some heavy rain reports, and hail reports came in with the thunderstorms that moved across their forecast areas. The NWS office in LaCrosse that covers parts of northeast Iowa saw mainly snow today, with the greater amounts in Minnesota and Wisconsin. All of the Iowa reports looked to be under 2 inches of snow...

Look forward to the next storm system that will begin to effect the state already tomorrow afternoon! Details in the next update...