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The Worst Winter Storms in Des Moines, Iowa Histor
The Worst Winter Storms in Des Moines, Iowa Histor
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Aug 05, 2026
3:01 AM
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Winter has always been a defining season in Des Moines, Iowa. Located in the heart of the Midwest, the city experiences a continental climate characterized by cold temperatures, frequent snowfalls, powerful Arctic air masses, and occasional blizzards capable of shutting down transportation, schools, businesses, and public services for days. While many winters pass with manageable snowfall, history has repeatedly shown that Des Moines is no stranger to extreme winter weather.
Some storms have buried neighborhoods beneath feet of snow. Others have produced dangerous whiteout conditions, crippling ice accumulation, or record-breaking cold that threatened lives and overwhelmed infrastructure. Each historic winter storm has left behind valuable lessons that continue to shape how Des Moines prepares for severe winter weather today.
Understanding these past events provides more than historical perspective—it offers practical guidance for future storms that are certain to arrive again.
Why Des Moines Is Vulnerable to Severe Winter Storms
Des Moines sits within a region where cold Arctic air frequently collides with moist air flowing north from the Gulf of Mexico. These atmospheric battles create ideal conditions for:
Heavy snowfall
Blizzard conditions
Ice storms
High winds
Dangerous wind chills
Rapidly changing weather
Because the city serves as Iowa's capital and transportation hub, disruptions affect commuters, freight movement, schools, hospitals, and emergency services throughout central Iowa.
The Blizzard of January 1942
Among the most famous winter storms in Des Moines history occurred during New Year's Day 1942.
Date
January 1, 1942
Snowfall
Approximately 19 inches fell in a single day—the highest one-day snowfall ever officially recorded in Des Moines.
What Happened
The storm arrived with remarkable intensity. Snow fell continuously throughout the day, accompanied by strong winds that created towering drifts across roads and railways.
Transportation nearly stopped.
Cars became stranded throughout the city.
Streetcar operations faced severe delays.
Businesses remained closed while workers struggled simply to reach downtown.
The combination of deep snow and drifting made many neighborhoods inaccessible.
Human Impact
Families remained trapped in homes for days.
Food deliveries slowed dramatically.
Emergency responders needed extra time to reach residents requiring medical assistance.
Schools remained closed while crews worked around the clock clearing streets.
Lasting Lessons
The 1942 storm demonstrated that snowfall alone—not just wind—could paralyze an entire metropolitan area. It encouraged improvements in snow-removal planning and increased investment in municipal plowing equipment.
The January 1971 Blizzard
Date
January 3–4, 1971
Snowfall
Approximately 13.6 inches officially fell in Des Moines during one of the city's largest single snow events.
Storm Conditions
Heavy snowfall combined with strong northwest winds created dangerous blizzard conditions.
Visibility frequently dropped below one-quarter mile.
Interstate highways became nearly impassable.
County roads disappeared beneath drifting snow.
Vehicles became stranded across central Iowa.
Damage
Numerous businesses closed.
Power interruptions affected portions of the region.
Rural communities experienced isolation for several days.
Livestock losses occurred throughout Iowa because farmers could not safely reach barns.
Human Impact
Travel proved extremely dangerous.
Emergency crews conducted numerous vehicle rescues.
Many residents remained indoors until roads could be reopened.
The event reinforced how rapidly winter storms can escalate from inconvenience to life-threatening emergency.
The Blizzard of January 1996
Date
January 26–27, 1996
Snowfall
Des Moines officially received approximately 13.7 inches, ranking among its largest daily snowfalls.
Meteorological Setup
A powerful low-pressure system tracked across the Midwest, pulling abundant Gulf moisture into freezing air over Iowa.
Heavy snow fell at impressive rates.
Strong winds followed, creating severe drifting.
Effects Across the City
Major highways slowed to a crawl.
Flights experienced cancellations.
Schools closed.
Businesses delayed openings.
Snow removal required several days.
Residential streets remained difficult to navigate long after major roads reopened.
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