After Wednesday’s strong blizzard, snow-covered streets, blocked driveways, and chilly winds made life a bit difficult across Iowa and Minnesota. But the good news is, the snowstorm is over, and clear skies are back. Tonight and Thursday, people can expect much better conditions as the sunshine slowly melts away the thick snow blanket.
We’ve gathered snowfall reports from different cities and towns to give you an idea of just how much snow this blizzard brought. Some areas experienced heavy snowfall, making it one of the memorable snow events this season.
Full List of Snowfall Totals from Iowa and Minnesota:
Iowa Snowfall Reports:
- Lakota, IA – 14.5 inches
Lakota tops the list with a whopping 14.5 inches of fresh snow. Residents woke up to thick layers of snow, making shoveling a real challenge today. - Storm Lake, IA – 13.0 inches
Storm Lake closely followed, receiving 13 inches of snow. Roads were slippery, and travel was tough during the peak hours. - Algona, IA – 12.5 inches
Algona residents dealt with nearly 12.5 inches of snow. Snowplows worked overtime to clear the major roads and highways. - Buffalo Center, IA – 11.0 inches
Buffalo Center saw 11 inches of snow. Local authorities advised people to stay indoors until the snow clearing was completed. - Fort Dodge, IA – 9.5 inches
Fort Dodge wasn’t spared either, with nearly 9.5 inches of snow. People reported snowdrifts and visibility issues while driving. - Clear Lake, IA – 7.5 inches
Clear Lake recorded 7.5 inches of snow, enough to coat the town in white and bring in a real winter vibe. - Thornton, IA – 5.0 inches
Thornton, though receiving slightly less at 5 inches, still had a decent snowfall, causing minor travel delays.
Minnesota Snowfall Reports:
- Chatfield, MN – 8.5 inches
Chatfield experienced a heavy 8.5 inches of snow. Streets were quickly covered, and plows had to be deployed throughout the day. - Spring Valley, MN – 7.0 inches
Spring Valley got about 7 inches. Many schools and offices in the area decided to stay closed for safety. - Austin, MN – 6.8 inches
Austin saw almost 7 inches, creating the perfect setting for kids eager to play in the snow but a headache for commuters. - Fillmore, MN – 6.4 inches
Fillmore reported around 6.4 inches, a significant amount but manageable compared to higher totals elsewhere. - Rochester, MN – 5.5 inches
Rochester had 5.5 inches of snow. While it’s less than some neighboring towns, it still slowed down daily routines.
Weather Update: Sunshine Returns After Blizzard
The blizzard may have dumped large amounts of snow, but things are already looking better. The snow has mostly stopped, and weather experts say conditions will continue to improve tonight and into Thursday. Sunshine is expected to brighten up the region, making it easier for residents to get back to their regular activities.
However, people are advised to take caution when stepping out. Snow piles may block certain sidewalks and driveways. Plus, freezing temperatures could lead to icy patches on roads. Make sure to drive carefully and watch your step while walking outside.
City workers and snowplow teams are already working hard to clear snow from major roads and public spaces. If you live in the impacted areas, it’s a good time to start clearing snow from your driveways and sidewalks while enjoying the much-needed sunshine.
What’s Next?
Weather forecasts suggest there won’t be any more heavy snowfall in the next couple of days. That’s great news for everyone who has had enough of shoveling snow! The region will likely experience chilly but clear weather, which will help melt some of the snow left behind by the blizzard.
But remember, temperatures might drop during the night, which can cause the melted snow to refreeze. Stay alert for icy spots, especially on smaller roads and less-traveled areas.
Final Thoughts
This blizzard served as a reminder of how quickly weather conditions can change in the Midwest. Thankfully, no severe incidents have been reported, and with proper preparation, residents handled the storm well.
Stay updated with local news channels and weather alerts, and take advantage of the clear skies to catch a breath after this snowstorm. Whether you’re building a snowman, clearing your driveway, or just enjoying the winter scenery, stay safe!
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.