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Health Risks During Winter Storms in Des Moines, I
Health Risks During Winter Storms in Des Moines, I
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Guest
Guest
Aug 05, 2026
1:49 AM
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Winter in Des Moines, Iowa brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but it also introduces serious health hazards that residents should never underestimate. From heavy snowfalls and dangerous ice storms to subzero wind chills, winter weather has the potential to affect nearly every aspect of daily life. While many people focus on travel disruptions and power outages, the health consequences of severe winter storms are equally important.
Cold weather places significant stress on the human body. Older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and outdoor workers are especially vulnerable, but even healthy adults can experience life-threatening emergencies during severe winter weather. Snow shoveling-related heart attacks, frostbite, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and mental health challenges all become more common during prolonged winter storms.
Understanding these risks before a storm arrives allows families, businesses, and healthcare providers to prepare effectively. Des Moines residents who develop winter safety habits are far more likely to avoid preventable injuries and medical emergencies throughout the season.
Why Winter Storms Pose Serious Health Risks
Winter storms create multiple hazards simultaneously. Cold temperatures, icy roads, strong winds, heavy snowfall, power outages, and limited transportation all increase the likelihood of accidents and illness.
Unlike many other weather emergencies, winter storms often last for several days. During prolonged events, people may become stranded at home, experience heating problems, lose electricity, or delay medical appointments because travel becomes unsafe.
Healthcare systems also experience increased demand during severe weather as emergency departments treat injuries from falls, vehicle accidents, exposure-related illnesses, and cardiac emergencies.
Preparation before the storm often determines whether people remain safe throughout the event.
Snow Shoveling and the Increased Risk of Heart Attacks
One of the most overlooked winter health risks is the physical strain caused by snow shoveling.
Heavy, wet snow can weigh far more than many people realize. Lifting repeated loads while wearing bulky winter clothing forces the heart to work significantly harder. Cold temperatures also cause blood vessels to narrow, increasing blood pressure while reducing oxygen delivery.
When these factors combine, they create the perfect conditions for cardiac emergencies.
People at highest risk include:
Adults over age 45
Individuals with high blood pressure
Anyone with coronary artery disease
People with diabetes
Smokers
Individuals who are physically inactive
Many heart attacks occur early in the morning shortly after people begin clearing driveways following an overnight snowfall.
If you have a heart condition, check the Des Moines winter storm warning today before deciding whether to shovel—during an active warning, heavy wet snow combined with cold air significantly increases cardiac risk.
Safer Snow Removal Practices
Residents can reduce risk by:
Pushing snow instead of lifting when possible.
Taking frequent breaks.
Wearing warm layered clothing.
Drinking water before and after shoveling.
Avoiding sudden strenuous activity.
Never shoveling immediately after waking up.
Asking younger family members or hiring snow removal services if they have cardiovascular disease.
Anyone experiencing chest pain, jaw pain, shoulder discomfort, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea while shoveling should stop immediately and seek emergency medical care.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature falls below normal levels.
It does not require extreme Arctic conditions. Even temperatures slightly above freezing can cause hypothermia if clothing becomes wet or individuals remain outdoors for prolonged periods.
Strong Iowa winds dramatically increase heat loss through wind chill.
Early symptoms include:
Persistent shivering
Cold, pale skin
Fatigue
Poor coordination
Difficulty concentrating
Slurred speech
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