How much snow did it get in Iowa? View the state’s latest snowfall totals

A cold weather advisory remains in effect from Saturday night, Dec. 13, through Wednesday morning, Dec. 17, after a winter storm hits much of the state and closes part of Interstate 80. Colder temperatures are expected to follow the snow, plunging below -10 degrees.

More than half a foot of snow fell in some parts of the state after the storm started clearing in the evening.

Des Moines Police responded to more than 40 crashes as of 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and asked drivers to refrain from driving unless necessary.

“As road crews work to clear roads, vehicles have piled up snow, creating a very agile approach to controlled intersections and challenges on mountain roads,” the department said in a statement. “As temperatures drop dangerously low, refreeze will occur, creating slippery roads in wet areas.”

A pack of snow was scheduled to hit residential streets in Des Moines on Saturday, Dec. 13 around 3 p.m. Police warned residents not to park on snowy roads and only park on odd sides of the road on Sunday.

Snow-covered roads are expected to remain slippery and difficult overnight, and the weather service has advised caution.

In the Des Moines area, wind chill values ​​are expected to drop as low as -15 Saturday night. The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can occur within minutes of such cold temperatures.

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Counties affected by the winter storm included Pocahontas, Sac, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Crawford, Carroll, Greene, Boone, Story, Marshall, Guthrie, Dallas, Polk, Jasper, Powesheek, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Monroe, Wapello and Davis.

Where did the most snow fall in Iowa?

Southern and eastern Iowa felt the effects of the winter storm, with some areas receiving up to six inches Saturday. Here are the highest totals ever in Iowa:

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How much snow has fallen in Des Moines?

3.7 inches of snow fell at Des Moines International Airport Saturday afternoon. Norwalk, just south of Des Moines, reported 3.8 inches of snow by 10:30 a.m. Clive reported 2.7 inches of snow by 10 p.m.

How much snow did Iowa City get?

Iowa City reported 4.5 inches of snow at 12:26 p.m

Roads across the state are covered in snow

As of 11 a.m. Saturday, many highways and interstates in central Iowa were covered in snow along with “dangerous whiteout conditions.” No travel advisory was issued On I-80 from central Iowa to the Illinois borderDOT reported.

“Visibility and road conditions are rapidly deteriorating, leading to multiple crashes and lane closures,” the DOT said in a social media post.

Interstate 80 was closed in both directions in eastern Iowa

The Iowa DOT closed Interstate 80 in both directions for a 44-mile span in eastern Iowa just before 2 p.m. Saturday, from the I-380 interchange (exit 240) in Coralville to exit 284 in Walcott, where the Iowa 80 truck stop is located. DOT officials say the road is “impassable” due to harsh winter weather and “many” accidents. A stretch of I-80 will remain closed until the weather improves.

The Iowa State Patrol announced in a social media post at 12:30 a.m. on Dec. 13 that the West Branch of I-80 near the Cedar River Bridge was closed in both eastbound and westbound directions.

According to the state patrol, the shutdown was due to multiple crashes and vehicles in the ditch. The agency said it would take several hours for the stretch of interstate to reopen. Authorities encouraged vehicles to avoid the area to allow first responders “room to assist” motorists and clear the scene.

The DOT issued a press release shortly before 3 p.m. with more closure details.

All entrance ramps to I-80 at each intersection roadways between exits 240 and 284 are closed. Travelers near the area are advised to seek shelter rather than continue on their way.

“Passengers inside the closed section will be allowed to exit,” the DOT said in a statement. “If vehicles are stranded, emergency crews will attempt to assist passengers to safety. However, due to conditions, emergency response may be impossible or significantly delayed.”

The DOT said the decision to close the interstate meant a serious safety situation. Drivers should not attempt to enter closed roads or go around barricades or gates.

For traveler information anytime, visit www.511ia.org, call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047.

(This article has been updated to include new information.)

This article originally appeared in the Des Moines Register: How much snow fell in Iowa’s latest blizzard?