Winter Storm Update

Posted February 20, 2026
Posted by Emergency Management and Public Relations

Yesterday’s winter storm continues to impact local activities throughout the county. All schools and Iowa Western Community College have cancelled regular classes for Friday, February 20 with some school districts rescheduling playoff basketball games for late this afternoon and evening. Several communities have declared snow 
emergencies. These declarations support essential snow removal efforts, protect roadways and infrastructure, and promote public safety. Impacts from the storm delivered a 53.3% increase in 911 emergency and non-emergency calls for service and two significant multi-vehicle incidents on I-80: one near the Madison Avenue Exit and one near the Avoca Exit. No significant or life-threatening injuries resulted from these incidents. 
The following cities currently have active snow emergency declarations:

• City of Council Bluffs — Through 7:00 p.m. on February 20
• City of Carson — Through 5:00 p.m. on February 20
• City of Oakland — Through 8:00 a.m. on February 21
• City of Avoca — Through 3:00 p.m. on February 20
• City of Underwood — Through 10:00 p.m. on February 20
• City of Treynor — Through 11:00 p.m. on February 21
• City of Carter Lake — Through 4:00 p.m. on February 21
• City of Walnut — Through 8:00 p.m. on February 20
• City of Macedonia — Through 8:00 a.m. on February 21

Visit each city’s website or social media accounts for specific information on parking restrictions or information related to their respective snow emergency. 

All schools in Pottawattamie County have cancelled regular school sessions with the following basketball playoff games and events rescheduled for later today: 

• Treynor, hosting - 5pm boys / 7pm girls
• Tri-Center, hosting - 7pm
• Underwood, hosting - 5:30pm
• St. Albert, hosting - 5pm boys / 7pm girls
• AHSTW at Woodbine - 7pm
• Riverside (boys) at Southwest Valley - 5pm
• Riverside (girls), hosting - 7pm
• Lewis Central (boys) at Roncalli - 7pm

Visit each school’s website or social media accounts for any additional changes or updates. 

Local officials stress the importance of allowing additional travel time as road conditions can still be hazardous or limit unnecessary travel which will assist in snow clearance operations. Residents should take frequent breaks while scooping snow to avoid overexertion and cold exposure. Stay informed through official channels and register for Alert Iowa at https://www.pottcounty-ia.gov/emergency_management/alert_iowa for severe weather and local emergency alerts.