January 26th Major Blizzard & following January 28th arctic outbreak brought 50 to 60MPH winds and created whiteout conditions and cause damage and partially closer of some major highways.

Aftermath of the January 26th blizzard. Wind whipped fields of Northern Iowa near New Hampton,IA

I am now back from my final winter trip to Northern Wisconsin and I need to revisit the topic and do a report of last weeks blizzard here in Eastern Iowa. Looking back at reports from that day now looks as though the blizzard last weekend was very significant. I unfortunately don't have as much information as I would have liked to have shown for such a major event, I will go with what I can pull together for this report.  Sunday January 26th a potent Clipper/winter storm and the leading edge of a very cold Arctic Airmass came together to create a powerful blizzard that caused parts of the state to shut down last weekend, including many communities in our area. Between 1 and 4" of snow fell across the area, then winds gusted from 50 to over 60MPH causing blizzard conditions and even causing damage. I would consider this evening to be major. NWS reports even mentioned zero visibility and cars being stranded in Western Joens county near Springville. Highway 20 was shut down between Dubuque and Waterloo as well. In Independence reports of cars being pushed off the road in icy areas was reported. I was not around to witness the blizzard but upon my return I noticed significant drifting even days after the event. Temperatures plummeted behind the storm as well to the middle 10s below zero as the arctic air settled over the area Tuesday morning wind chills as low as -40.F were seen on Sunday and Monday morning. This storm had a true Arctic Blast to it. Below is a list of reports from that day as well as the coldest temperatures seen during this arctic outbreak

Reports

Marion 60MPH wind gust 3 foot long branches down
 Independence 59MPH gust
Monticello 56MPH wind gust, Blizzard conditions
 Iowa City 56MPH wind gust, Blizzard conditions
Van Horne 52MPH wind gust
 Washington 53MPH wind gust
 Eastern Iowa Airport-Cedar Rapids 54MPH wind gust
Waterloo-Cedar Falls Airport 52MPH wind gust
Vinton 50MPH wind gust
Olin & Springville, Blizzard- Pure white out conditions stranded motorist in Western parts of Jones county.
Manchester, Blizzard Highwah 20 closed between Dubuque and Waterloo
Independence, massive drifting on side roads
Mechanicsville, Whiteout conditions reported between Mechanicsville and Mount Vernon
Williamsburg, Blizzard conditions,  Shingles reported to have blown off of residence.

January 28th lows

 Manchester -18.F
 Waterloo-Cedar Falls Airport -18.F
Monticello -18.F
Independence -16.F
 Mount Vernon -15.F
Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport -13.F
Hiawatha, My Sta. -12.F
Williamsburg -10.F
Czech Village-Cedar Rapids -10.F
Iowa City -10.F
Washington -7.F