The blowing and drifting snow prompted the Department of Transportation to close a number of roads, including sections of U.S. Highway 52 in Dubuque and Clayton counties. Roads also were closed in Buchanan and Delaware counties.
The hazardous conditions started with a storm that left about 4 inches of snow in the Des Moines area, 6 inches around Cedar Rapids and 10 inches in the state's northeast corner.
The National Weather Service said the snow was followed by wind gusts of up to 40 mph in a large area, including Iowa Falls, Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.
Wind chills in much of the state were at or below zero.