Blizzard Conditions Force School Closures Across Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — Severe winter weather forced multiple school districts across western and northwestern Iowa to cancel classes on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, due to blizzard warnings and high wind gusts. The National Weather Service issued warnings predicting wind gusts reaching up to 65 mph, creating hazardous travel conditions.

School districts such as Audubon, Belmond-Klemme, and Southeast Valley announced closures to protect students and staff amid expectations of heavy snowfall and whiteout conditions. The blizzard warning is in effect throughout the day, significantly impacting travel and daily activities.

“With winds expected to gust strongly and the possibility of visibility dropping dramatically, we had to prioritize safety by canceling classes,” said a representative from Glidden-Ralston Community Schools.

In addition to the school cancellations, many areas reported severe travel disruptions with snow accumulations reaching nearly a foot in some regions. The heaviest snowfall occurred around Buffalo Center, with reports of up to 11 inches. Fort Dodge recorded around 6.5 inches, according to reports from the National Weather Service.

The winter weather system is expected to move through Iowa quickly, with conditions likely to improve by Thursday afternoon. However, residents are cautioned to remain vigilant as temperatures drop and wind gusts continue to impact travel into the morning.

“The immediate concern is the combination of heavy snowfall and high winds, which can create whiteout conditions and make driving extremely dangerous,” warned an official with the Iowa Department of Transportation. “Travelers should postpone non-essential trips until conditions improve.”

As of Wednesday evening, many school districts were planning to implement two-hour delays for Thursday classes, while others opted for a virtual learning format. Iowa Central Community College and DMACC’s Boone campus announced adjusted schedules in response to local weather conditions.

Despite the turmoil, clearer skies and milder temperatures are forecast for Thursday afternoon, potentially providing some relief after the blizzard. Residents can expect a respite from the winter weather, with highs nearing 50 degrees.

As conditions develop, community members are encouraged to stay updated through local news resources and monitoring websites with live weather and travel updates.