DES MOINES, Iowa – A winter storm in Iowa has set a new snowfall record, with the Des Moines International Airport reporting 8.3 inches of snow since midnight Tuesday morning. This broke the previous record of 7.3 inches set back in 1957. The snowfall on January 9 this year surpassed any previous amount recorded on that date. It’s important to note that major snow events often occur over the span of two calendar days, not just one day. When including the snowfall from Monday, the total accumulation during this winter storm in the capital city reached 11.2 inches, making it a significant event. The last time Des Moines experienced this level of snowfall at once was in 2022, when 14.3 inches fell on January 14-15.

This record-breaking snowfall has led to various impacts, including school closures and significant challenges for public works departments in clearing the snow. The heavy, wet snow has made the cleanup process a costly endeavor, with the Des Moines Public Works estimating that the cost to clear the snow is approximately $70,000 per inch.

With winter storms continuing to affect Iowa, it’s essential for residents to stay informed about weather alerts and school closures. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to take measures to stay safe and warm during the cold weather, including accurate snowfall measurements and being prepared for potential power outages. It’s clear that the significant snowfall in Iowa during this winter storm is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather conditions.