Snow remains widespread this afternoon and evening, with moderate to heavy snowfall rates expected on both sides of the Minnesota–Iowa border. The National Weather Service warns that hourly snowfall rates could exceed one inch, especially through the evening hours. Combined with strong northwest winds gusting between 45 and 50 mph, this will result in widespread blowing and drifting snow and whiteout conditions, particularly in open and unsheltered areas of southeast Minnesota and northern Iowa.
Additional snowfall totals of 4 to 6 inches are expected on top of what has already fallen. Even during brief lulls in snowfall, conditions will remain dangerous as strong winds continue to blow snow back onto roadways. Visibility may drop below one-quarter mile, meeting blizzard criteria.
Travel impacts are already severe. In northern Iowa, Interstate 35 is closed from Clear Lake to Ames, underscoring how dangerous conditions have become across the region. Numerous secondary highways and rural roads across northern Iowa and southeast Minnesota are also becoming impassable, and additional closures are likely as the storm continues…