North-central Iowa experienced a sharp change in weather conditions Thursday, as mild morning temperatures gave way to a cold, windy, and unsettled afternoon.
The relatively calm start to the day quickly shifted as strong winds, falling temperatures, and snow showers moved into the region. By Thursday afternoon, blizzard-like conditions were reported across Franklin, Butler and Wright counties, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a blizzard warning.
Brief snow squalls moved through the area, reducing visibility. Winds gusting as high as 60 miles per hour contributed to blowing snow and difficult travel in some locations. RadioOnTheGo Meteorologist and President of the Storm Report, Dan Holiday, says snow squalls are short-lived, but extremely intense, weather hazards.
“It is like a burst of snow and what we had happen was this very powerful low pressure system off to the north of us brought us wind gusts about 55 miles per hour. The colder air was coming in as well, it was sinking and if there is any moisture in the atmosphere that will squeeze out the amount of moisture because of the differences in air pressure and the wind. And so what it was doing was it was taking the amount of moisture, squeezing it into the snow and really just dumping it in bursts. And then you combine it with the wind and it was almost like a mini blizzard. Ultimately that’s what it is. It’s just sort of a short term burst of snow that happens but it can really cause trouble on the road.”
Road conditions changed rapidly as temperatures dropped and snow fell, creating slick spots and areas of blowing snow. Drivers were urged to use caution as conditions deteriorated. Holiday says travel conditions can change almost instantly under these conditions.
“They can happen very quickly and they can end just about as quickly. And so, you know, that’s really what we dealt with. And the next time we have a big wind event and there’s just enough moisture in place, that’s something that we always try to watch for, some of that just powering through. And so the chance is always there, especially when we have those deeper low pressure systems that come along with it.”
Holiday adds that we can expect a quieter and warmer Christmas holiday next week. He says current forecasts show temperatures near 50 degrees by Christmas day.
Full interview below
