Blizzard — Hancock, Iowa

2015-01-08 · Hancock, Iowa

Wider weather episode

Low pressure passed to the north of Iowa. A trough of low pressure extended south from the low and swept across the state. The airmass was cold with Arctic air in place. Recent snowfall remained loose on the ground across the area with several inches of relatively fluffy snow present. As the trough moved through the state, snow squalls occurred with it. This made a potentially dangerous situation more likely. The winds increased during the day with wind speeds during the afternoon and evening hours in the 25 to 40 MPH range with frequent gusts to around 50 MPH. The combination of snow on the ground and the snow squalls resulted in rapid visibility reductions. The snow squalls generally produced under an inch of new snowfall. By mid afternoon, whiteout conditions were widespread across north central Iowa. Travel was hazardous with many roads closed or nearly impassible. One fatality occurred. A couple, 76 and 77 years of age, drove off the road in Hancock County, near Woden, and sought help on foot. The 76 year old female was found frozen to death, the husband was later found and taken to the hospital in critical condition suffering from exposure.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 548238. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.