Strong Wind — O'brien, Iowa

2026-01-16 · O'brien, Iowa

Event narrative

Sustained winds reached 30 to 38 mph at times with gusts as high as 49 mph at an Automated Weather Observing System site in Sheldon.

Wider weather episode

Northwest winds surged behind a strong arctic cold front which moved across the region early on January 16. The strongest winds were generally closest to the Missouri River where a wind gust up to 58 mph occurred near Sioux City. While areas of light snowfall generally less than one-half inch fell before and concurrent with the strong winds, there were only very spotty and brief instances of visibility in falling and blowing snow below one mile.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1314044. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.