Iowa is currently grappling with extreme weather conditions, leading to significant disruptions across the state. As heavy snowfall blankets the region, many school districts in and around Des Moines have opted for delayed starts or complete closures. Among those affected, the Des Moines Public Schools announced a two-hour delay, affecting thousands of students. Superintendent Thomas Ahart stated, ‘We want our students and staff to be safe, which is why we’re making this decision.’ In addition to school closures, thousands of residents in the Quad Cities area are experiencing power outages due to the weather. According to a report by the KCCI news team, over 5,000 customers were without electricity early Wednesday morning, with numbers expected to fluctuate as crews work to restore power. Spokesperson for the local utility provider noted, ‘We are aware of the outages and our crews are out addressing the issues as safely and quickly as possible.’ The snowfall is expected to continue throughout the day, with forecasts predicting accumulation of up to 8 inches in some areas, prompting local authorities to urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Road conditions are worsening, and police have reported several accidents linked to the inclement weather. The Iowa Department of Transportation recommends that if travel is necessary, drivers should remain cautious and be prepared for hazardous conditions.