A severe winter storm is causing chaos in Iowa just days before the Republican caucuses, impacting campaign plans for leading candidates such as Donald Trump, Nikki Haley, and Ron DeSantis.
The National Weather Service (NWS) in Des Moines has issued warnings of more snow and gusty winds, leading to “blowing snow and whiteout conditions.” Travel is expected to remain treacherous, with many rural highways deemed impassable. The Iowa state patrol reported numerous crashes and motorist assists due to hazardous road conditions.
The extreme weather is significantly disrupting the final days of the caucus campaign. Donald Trump’s campaign has canceled in-person rallies and opted for tele-rallies, citing severe weather advisories. Nikki Haley also canceled events, acknowledging the challenging conditions. Ron DeSantis managed to hold an event in Ankeny, close to Des Moines.
The biting cold weather is expected to persist on caucus night, with record-low temperatures forecasted, reaching as low as -20°F (-29°C). Wind chills could make it feel as cold as -45°F in some areas.
Despite these challenges, some restaurants remain open, and candidates are making adjustments to their schedules. The Trump campaign expressed confidence that their supporters would brave the cold to caucus for the former president.
The caucuses on Monday are set to occur amidst harsh winter conditions, testing the resilience of Iowans and impacting candidates’ ability to connect with voters in the crucial lead-up to the official nominating process for the 2024 presidential election.
