Ice Storm — Delaware, Iowa

2023-02-22 · Delaware, Iowa

Event narrative

Trained spotters reported ice accumulation of 0.25 to 0.50 of an inch, mainly on elevated surfaces.

Wider weather episode

A well advertised storm system brough a mix of precipitation across all of eastern Iowa, northwest Illinois and northeast Missouri on February 22nd. Precipitation began as rain during the early morning, but quickly changed to a mix of sleet and freezing rain as it progressed north over areas along and north of Interstate 80. This precipitation continued throughout the day before tapering off during the mid to late evening hours.

Given the amount of moisture associated with this system, rain and ice amounts were high. Rainfall totals of around 1.00 - 1.50 were observed along and east of the Mississippi River. Ice amounts of a few hundredths up to three tenths of an inch were observed, with the latter mainly along and north of the Highway 30 corridor. This ice led to slippery travel conditions and power outages.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1080627. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.