Winter Storm — Jefferson, Iowa

2024-01-11 to 2024-01-12 · Jefferson, Iowa

Event narrative

Numerous reports of 10 to 14 inches of snow were received, with widespread significant drifting snow continuing into the evening hours.

Wider weather episode

A significant winter storm brought heavy snow and near to blizzard conditions across all of eastern IA, northwest IL, and northeast MO on Friday, January 12. Snowfall amounts between 7 and 15 inches were common, with the higher end of the snowfall totals observed mainly along a line from the Quad Cities metro westward to Fairfield IA. Numerous accidents occurred on area roads, with several long backups and delays observed on Interstate 80 throughout the day and overnight. In addition, strong northwest winds of 30 to 50 MPH were observed Friday evening, leading to large drifts, along with blowing and drifting snow areawide.

This was the second major snowfall event in many locations in less than a week. Snow depths of over 20 inches were found in many places, resulting in long term rural road closures that lingered on as Artic cold winds continued drifting snow for several more days.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1152840. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.