Travel is not advised across most of the state this morning due to the blizzard blowing through the Midwest. The snow has, for the most part, moved out of the state. Snowfall totals include 7.1″ in Des Moines, 10″ in Albia, 12″ in Iowa City, 13″ in Corydon and 15″ in the Quad Cities. Even higher amounts are reported in sections of southeast Iowa.

The big problem now is blowing snow and dangerous wind chills. Northwest winds range between 20 and 35 mph statewide, with wind chill readings early this morning hitting 30-below zero around Sioux City, Spencer and Storm Lake.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Jim Lee says it’ll be a while before conditions improve. “Particularly in eastern and southeastern Iowa where we continue to see isolated blizzard conditions and more severe restricted visibility,” Lee said. “Elsewhere, we’re looking at a lot of shallow, blowing snow and road problems, as well as much colder air and dangerous wind chills across western and northwestern Iowa.”

Most schools are closed today. Wind chill warnings or advisories cover much of northwest Iowa, while a blizzard warning remains in place for much of the eastern half of the state. “I think by this afternoon we’ll see conditions improving more rapidly,” Lee said. “However, tonight and into Thursday morning we’ll probably see another round of dangerously low wind chills. So, additional warnings and advisories are possible.”

The forecast calls for slightly warmer conditions to close out the week. High temperatures by Friday are expected in the mid to upper 20s.

For the latest on Iowa road conditions visit www.511ia.org

By Pat Curtis (Radio Iowa) & Pat Powers (KQWC, Webster City)