National Weather ServiceIowaBlizzard WarningArchive to October 1, 2026
Blizzard Warnings in Iowa
The National Weather Service issued 13 blizzard warnings for Iowa in 2025 and 6 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 7th most of any state. 2026 through September: 9, 113% above the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Emmet was covered most often (33 times since 2008).
How many blizzard warnings does Iowa get?
Every blizzard warning that covered part of Iowa. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 9 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2018 | 9 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 9 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2009 | 13 |
| 2008 | 9 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Iowa get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Iowa?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emmet | 33 | 8 | March 15, 2026 |
| Palo Alto | 33 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Winnebago | 33 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Cerro Gordo | 32 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Kossuth | 32 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Hancock | 31 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Worth | 31 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Dickinson | 30 | 8 | March 15, 2026 |
| Humboldt | 29 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Wright | 29 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
| Clay | 28 | 6 | March 15, 2026 |
| Osceola | 28 | 7 | March 15, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a blizzard warning?
A blizzard warning means sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph or more with falling or blowing snow that cuts visibility below a quarter mile, for three hours or more. A warning means the hazard is happening, about to happen, or very likely: act now to protect people and property. The national record · Every warning type in Iowa.