| Episode Narrative |
A strong low pressure developed over Oklahoma and southern Kansas during the day on the 12th. The low lifted north-northeast, passing through central Iowa during the evening of the 12th, reaching southeast Minnesota by the early afternoon of the 13th. A strong push of moisture occurred with the low, bringing widespread precipitation to the state. For the most part, precipitation was in the form of rain during the day of the 12th. There was some wet snow mixed with the rain over western into north central Iowa. Rain changed to snow over west central into northwest Iowa during the evening of the 12th and continued through the overnight hours. There were two main areas of heavy snow. Initially an area of heavy snow formed over west central Iowa. As it lifted northeast, a stronger area of convergence formed over the northwest part of the CWA during the late night hours. This area produced snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour for several hours. Thunder was also reported with the snow event. An accumulation of 6 inches had already occurred in the Denison area by shortly after midnight. Overnight, a narrow band of very heavy snow developed with a swath of 6 to 12 inches of snow extending from Denison, north-northeast through the Emmetsburg area. By noon on the 13th, Emmetsburg reported the highest snowfall total with 14 inches. Roads became slick and snow packed as heavy snow occurred. Travel was not advised due to slushy roads and visibility being reduced below 1/4 mile in heavy snow. During the morning of the 13th, conditions improved with the rising sun and temperatures holding near to just above freezing. By mid day conditions had improved to where the roads were partly to mostly snow and slush covered. Temperatures were near freezing during the event. As a result, the snow was wet and heavy. This resulted in some tree limb and power line damage. Several power poles were snapped as well. Winds contributed to the power line damage with northwest to north winds of 20 to 35 MPH common. Power was knocked out to several thousand customers at some point during the storm. |
