Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management Agency

05/18/2026

🟠Did you receive damage from the storms over the weekend? If so, we are compiling this data for our records, and would appreciate your help by going to https://cerrogordo.gov/emergency_management/report_storm_damage/ and submitting any information and photos you may have.

This webpage is up and running year-round, and can be utilized anytime any damage from storms happen here in Cerro Gordo County. Thank you for your help!

Report storm damage to the Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, Emergency Management Office with our convenient online reporting form.

05/06/2026

Day one of three in learning, collaborating, and sharing experiences among colleagues and partners from across the state. Such a benefit to have a wealth of knowledge in one room to network with!

The 20th Annual Iowa Emergency Management Conference is underway 👏

Emergency management isn’t a solo effort—when we share knowledge, experiences, and ideas, we all get better.

Stronger teams. Smarter decisions. More prepared communities.

04/17/2026

‼️🌪️The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch, which will be in effect until 8:00 this evening. Most of the severe weather threat will pass through Cerro Gordo Co. by 4:00pm.

04/15/2026

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a Severe T-storm Watch just to our south that is in effect until 7:00 this evening. Cerro Gordo is, however, in a slight risk (level 2/5) of severe weather. The main threat would be large hail. Remember, severe storms are always possible just outside a watch area, so keep an eye to the sky this afternoon!

04/14/2026

After a bumpy evening across our area last night, a slight to moderate (Level 2-3) risk of severe weather is forecast by the Storm Prediction Center for this afternoon and evening. Pay attention to additional weather information as the day goes on!

04/11/2026

❌ Myth: Emergency Management only responds after disasters
✅ Fact: Most of the work happens before anything happens

Planning. Training. Coordinating.

Prepared communities start long before the storm.

03/27/2026

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of Iowa including Cerro Gordo County for Saturday (3/28/26) from 10am-9pm. Please avoid conducting any open burning, as any fire will have a greater potential of spreading out of control rapidly.

03/25/2026

As it is severe weather awareness week in Iowa, the outdoor warning sirens will be tested at 10:00am Wednesday (3/25/26).

03/16/2026

For your information...

03/15/2026

We are currently in a lull right now, in regards to snowfall, but that will change this afternoon and overnight. Additional accumulations that will coincide with increasing winds with gusts of 55+mph will make travel nearly impossible. Please do not travel unless it is an emergency during this timeframe. I-35, as you can see, will close from the IA/MN border to Ames at 3:00pm. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE ALTERNATE ROUTES SUCH AS SECONDARY ROADS, AS THOSE ROADWAYS ARE LIKELY TO BE IN WORSE CONDITION THAN THE CLOSED INTERSTATE!!! Please stay safe!

🚨SUNDAY, MARCH 15 ROAD CLOSURES!🚨Make plans for these closures happening this afternoon. The combination of earlier rain on freezing pavements, heavy snow, and blizzard/whiteout conditions will make many roadways impassable.

🚫2 PM - Saylorville Lake Mile Long Bridge/IA 415

🚫3 PM - I-35 North Ames/U.S. 30 to the Minnesota Border both NB/SB lanes.

Iowa DOT and ISP do not advise travelers to seek alternate non-freeway routes, as these are also likely to be hazardous and have very limited access to shelter and traveler services. Travelers should seek shelter and services in larger cities such as Clear Lake / Mason City, Ames, Des Moines, and Sioux City.

For more information and traveler shelter services and parking, see press release: https://iowadot.gov/news/2026-03-15/iowa-officials-announce-travel-closures-and-advisories-march-15-blizzard