Iowa's governor has joined with the governors of Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri in asking federal officials to fight flooding along the Missouri River on a regional basis. Governor Kim Reynolds says it's time for a comprehensive approach that seeks to limit flooding. "I think it makes us stronger … [Read more...]
Cold, what cold? Okoboji Winter Games open
Some Iowans detest the freezing weather, but hearty snow lovers in northwest Iowa are embracing the chill with today's opening of the 40th annual University of Okoboji Winter Games. While the university is fictional, devotion to the event is very real, according to Kylie Zankowski at the Iowa … [Read more...]
Missouri River flooding continues to be a concern
Climate observers are renewing their warning of conditions that could lead to another round of widespread flooding this spring, especially in the Missouri River valley. Doug Kluck, the Central Region climate service director for the National Weather Service in Kansas City, says there is a lot of … [Read more...]
Road conditions get worse, tow bans abound
The winter storm has caused several schools and businesses to close, and conditions have deteriorated throughout the day. afternoon. Plymouth County Sheriff Mike Van Otterloo says there've been no major problems thus far and he advises motorists to stay off the roadways. "Everybody get home stay … [Read more...]
Heavy snow spreading across the state
The state DOT's 511 website shows the roads across much of Iowa's southwestern half are completely snow-covered, with blizzard warnings posted for 18 northwest Iowa counties. Visibility is down to a quarter-mile in some areas. Most of Iowa can expect three to six inches of snow by … [Read more...]
New forecast sees snowfall cut back some, extreme cold remains
Gas up the snowblower and prepare to dress in multiple layers. For the second weekend in a row, Iowans are bracing for the approach of what's billed as a significant winter storm. Meteorologist Cory Martin, at the National Weather Service, says the snowfall forecast has been downgraded somewhat, … [Read more...]
Slippery roads and sidewalks require extra caution
The recent weather has led to icy roads and sidewalks and with even-colder weather on the way, the slick surfaces won't be going away soon. Craig Cooper, spokesman for the Davenport-based Genesis Health System, says taking a tumble on concrete is potentially lethal. "Falls are the number-one … [Read more...]
Iowa facing two storms with snow through the weekend
Snow ordinances have been activated, schools are letting out early and some presidential candidates have canceled appearances here as a snowstorm is moving in. National Weather Service Meteorologist, Kory Martin, says the snow totals today are different than what was projected Thursday. "In the … [Read more...]
Outflow increases at Gavins Point Dam with projections of high runoff
Residents along the Missouri River are hearing repeated warnings of likely flooding in 2020 due to saturated soil conditions from a very wet 2019. Kevin Low, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service, says the latest 90-day river outlook indicates a high probability for continued or renewed … [Read more...]
The past year ends up ninth wettest on record
State Climatologist Justin Glisan says the month of December was warmer than average for the second straight year. "We were actually six degrees above average statewide. The average temperature was 28.9 degrees," Glisan says. "It's interesting, last December 2018, we were 5.1 degrees above … [Read more...]