Winter Storm Warning Issued for Western Iowa

Heavy Snow and Strong Winds Forecast to Move Into this Region of the State

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Pottawattamie and Harrison Counties in western Iowa, with heavy snowfall of 4 to 7 inches forecast along with winds gusting up to 35 miles per hour. A Winter Weather Advisory is also in effect for southwest, west central, and central Iowa, with 4 inches of snow expected and gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

Why it matters

Severe winter weather can disrupt travel, cause power outages, and pose risks to public safety in the affected regions. The storm is expected to impact a large swath of western and central Iowa, requiring residents and local authorities to prepare for hazardous conditions.

The details

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Pottawattamie and Harrison Counties in western Iowa, which will remain in effect until midnight. Forecasters are predicting heavy snowfall of 4 to 7 inches, along with wind gusts reaching up to 35 miles per hour. A less severe Winter Weather Advisory has also been issued for southwest, west central, and central Iowa, with 4 inches of snow expected and gusts up to 40 miles per hour.

  • The Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory will remain in effect until midnight on February 19, 2026.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing weather-related warnings and advisories.

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The takeaway

Residents in the affected regions of western and central Iowa should prepare for hazardous winter driving conditions, potential power outages, and other public safety risks due to the heavy snow and strong winds forecast over the next several hours. Local authorities are advising caution and preparedness as this winter storm moves through the area.