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Ahead of caucuses, Iowans brace for blizzard

A blizzard watch is the latest challenge candidates may face in amassing support on Monday.
Debbie Heinick shivers while waiting in line to attend a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Jan. 12, 2016, in Cedar Falls, Ia. (Photo by Jae C. Hong/AP)
Debbie Heinick shivers while waiting in line to attend a rally for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Jan. 12, 2016, in Cedar Falls, Ia. 

The latest weather reports from Iowa indicate that candidates will face a fresh challenge in amassing critical support at caucus events across the state: snow, and potentially lots of it. 

Much of Iowa is under a blizzard watch starting Monday night through Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. By the time the caucus starts, snow will likely be falling in some western parts of Iowa, including Council Bluffs.  The Iowa caucuses for both parties require physical attendance at the evening community meetings. However, the Weather Channel conducted a poll indicating that bad weather is unlikely to slow dedicated caucus-goers down. Of Iowa Democrats, 70 percent said it's never too cold to attend the caucus, and 63 percent of Iowa Republicans said the same. 

Snow is expected to pick up in the late hours of Monday into Tuesday. Much of Iowa will face a blizzard Tuesday, which could cause trouble for anyone trying to leave the state following the caucuses.