Did Tuesday's snowfall in central Iowa set a record? And how cold will it get this weekend?
A winter storm swept nearly all of Iowa Monday and Tuesday, with record snowfall in Des Moines for Jan. 9, the second day of the storm, the National Weather Service said.
The 8.3 inches Tuesday easily exceeded the previous Jan. 9 record of 7.3 inches, set in 1957. In all, the storm dumped 11.2 inches.
Snow continued until early Wednesday in parts of eastern Iowa. The Iowa City area appears to have received the most snow, with several reports around 15 inches.
When is Des Moines' next chance for snow?
More snow could be coming, with a 40% chance on Wednesday in Des Moines increasing to a 50% chance Friday. At the same time, temperatures are forecast to plunge, the weather service said, falling to 13 below zero on Sunday night, with highs of zero forecast Sunday and Monday, Iowa Caucus day and the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
The cold snap could be accompanied by high winds, bringing dangerous wind chill, according to a forecast advisory.
On Tuesday in central Iowa, schools were closed, events were canceled and roads were difficult to travel.
Crews in Des Moines were began plowing residential streets around 3 p.m., according to a post from the city's police department. As of 2 p.m. Tuesday, the department had written 314 citations for vehicles parked on snow routes or on the wrong side of the street in designated odd/even neighborhoods.
What were the snow totals in Des Moines, central Iowa?
Here is a look at the latest snowfall totals reported as of 4 p.m. Wednesday:
Des Moines (airport): 11.2 inches
Waukee: 8 inches
Ames: 8.8 inches
What are some of the highest snow totals in Iowa?
Information as of 4 p.m. Wednesday:
University Heights: 15.1 inches
Lowden: 13.5 inches
La Porte City: 12.8 inches
Dubuque: 12.6 inches
Knoxville : 12 inches
Patterson: 12 inches
Sergeant Bluff: 11.6 inches
Oskaloosa: 11.5 inches
Indianola: 11 inches
Davenport: 10.8 inches
How to measure the snow total in your own backyard
The National Weather Service in Des Moines asks Iowans to head outside and measure their snowfall. "Your reports help us ensure your area is accurately represented," the tweet says.
Hey! While you're taking a break from shoveling, or up from your desk to stretch, take a second to head outside and send us a snow measurement!🌨️📏
Your reports help us ensure your area is accurately represented. Please include both the location and time with your report! #iawx pic.twitter.com/CEcXahAoRp— NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) January 9, 2024
Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com
José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Reach him at jmendiola@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Snow totals in Iowa after first heavy snowfall of 2024, up to 12.8 inches