The first major storm of the winter season arrived in south central Iowa, bringing a round of plentiful snow to the region on Wednesday. Widespread snowfall amounts between 7 to 11 inches were reported by KNIA/KRLS listeners, at the various KNIA/KRLS studios, and from the National Weather Service throughout Marion, Warren, and Jasper Counties. Travel was impacted throughout the day as schools were closed, with state, county and city plows working throughout the duration of snow falling in the region. The Iowa DOT reported one of their trucks was hit near Mile Marker 40 on Highway 163. No details from the crash were immediately released.

Many schools have closed or delayed classes today, as blowing snow remains a travel issue, as do wind chills dipping well below zero. Additional chances for light snowfall are back in the forecast Friday evening, Saturday, and potentially Monday. Each round of snow that falls could drop a trace to an additional inch of snow on top of the precipitation currently on the ground, and any additional winter weather could cause additional travel concerns this weekend, as air temperatures below zero are expected in the overnight and morning hours after Saturday, which will make snowmelt less effective on roadways.

Area snowfall totals (2/12/2025):
Pella – 9.5″ (KNIA/KRLS)
Knoxville – 9″ (KNIA/KRLS)
Indianola – 8″ (National Weather Service trained spotter)
Newton – 7″ (NWS from public)
Melcher-Dallas – 10″ (NWS from public)
Norwalk – 6.5″ (NWS from media)
Monroe – 8.5″ (NWS from public)
Sandyville – 9″ (NWS Trained Spotter)
New Virginia – 7.8″ (NWS Trained Spotter)