Ames, United States – Rod Donavon documented a nighttime drive along a rural road south of Ames, Iowa, around 7 p.m. CDT on March 15, 2026, during a major blizzard affecting central and southern Iowa.

Heavy snowfall was whipped horizontally by intense gusts, while headlights cast a hazy glow through near-zero visibility. The snow-covered pavement and faint yellow center lines appeared briefly before being obscured again by blowing drifts. No other vehicles or landmarks were visible in the low-light whiteout.

The dashboard view highlighted the treacherous conditions, with accumulating snow and ice making the roads slick. The scene emphasized the isolation and danger faced by travelers during the storm.

The blizzard prompted warnings across 31 counties, with winds gusting up to 65 mph. Snowfall totaled 2 to 5 inches, causing significant drifting and widespread whiteout conditions.

Officials closed Interstate 35 from U.S. 30 at Ames north to the Minnesota border starting at 3 p.m., along with sections of I-80 from near Council Bluffs to Iowa City. Authorities advised against non-essential travel as roads became impassable, and multiple crashes were reported, though no major injuries occurred.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download