Hawkeye Star Ava Heiden’s Parents Buried Under Historic

Hawkeye Star Ava Heiden’s Parents Buried Under Historic Blizzard in Iowa City: NWS Warns ‘Watch Your Head!’

The Hawkeye community is on high alert as a historic blizzard barrels through Iowa, threatening cities statewide and leaving very few areas untouched. At the center of this unfolding winter chaos are Ava Heiden’s parents, Randy and Kelly Heiden, who live in the Iowa City/North Liberty area. With snow piling up at unprecedented rates and chunks of ice and snow falling from rooftops, the National Weather Service has issued urgent warnings for residents to take extreme precautions.

As of Monday afternoon, the storm has already dumped more than 18 inches of snow across central Iowa, with higher accumulations expected in northeast neighborhoods. The conditions are so severe that the NWS has warned that roads across the state will be slammed, paralyzing traffic and causing widespread delays, while power outages are projected to affect hundreds of thousands of homes.

“This is one of the most significant snow events we’ve seen in decades,” said Meteorologist Lisa Rodriguez from the NWS Des Moines office. “Residents in Iowa City, North Liberty, and surrounding communities need to treat this storm with the highest level of caution. Falling snow from rooftops and icy roads present serious safety hazards.”

For fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes, the storm hits close to home. Randy and Kelly Heiden have long been fixtures at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, supporting their daughter Ava as she dominates the court as a sophomore center. Now, their safety is at risk as the blizzard intensifies. Snowdrifts outside their home have already reached five to six feet in some places, and gusty winds continue to whip across city streets, turning even minor sidewalks into treacherous paths.

Ava Heiden, who has been averaging 16.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season, expressed concern for her parents via social media:

“Mom and Dad are always looking out for me at every game, and now it’s my turn to make sure they stay safe. I’ve been checking in constantly, and everyone in Iowa City needs to take this seriously.”

Local emergency services are stretched thin, as calls about stranded vehicles, collapsed snow-covered roofs, and downed power lines flood dispatch centers. Officials urge residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to keep at least a two-week supply of essentials in case the storm causes extended outages.

The blizzard has not only impacted safety but also threatens to disrupt local sports events and routines for fans and athletes alike. With temperatures hovering well below freezing and wind chills dropping into the single digits, conditions on outdoor courts and practice facilities have become hazardous. Many Iowa Hawkeyes supporters have been checking weather reports multiple times daily, unsure whether games will be postponed or moved indoors for safety.

“Iowa City hasn’t seen snow like this since 1997,” said John Peters, a local resident and longtime Hawkeye fan. “It’s wild I’ve shoveled three times today and it keeps coming down. I just hope everyone, especially the Heidens, is staying warm.”

Across the state, the blizzard is causing a multi-pronged crisis. The NWS warns that in addition to road paralysis and falling snow, downed power lines could leave entire neighborhoods without electricity for days. The city of Iowa City has already activated its Emergency Operations Center, coordinating with local shelters to accommodate residents who may be stranded or without heat.

For the Heiden family, these developments are deeply personal. Randy and Kelly Heiden have lived in Iowa City for several years to support Ava’s college career, making the blizzard a particularly stressful situation. Friends and neighbors have been checking in, helping shovel walkways, and sharing live updates via social media platforms to ensure their safety.

Despite the chaos, the Hawkeye spirit remains unshaken. Fans across social media have rallied, offering tips for safe snow removal, sharing warming shelters, and posting live photos of snow-laden streets. Local businesses are offering free hot drinks and supplies to those stranded by the storm, and community volunteers are coordinating efforts to keep sidewalks and roads as clear as possible.

“We’ve faced tough games before, but nothing like this,” said Emily Turner, a local Hawkeye season ticket holder. “The community is really coming together it’s inspiring to see.”

For sports fans, particularly those following Ava Heiden, the blizzard offers a chilling contrast: while the court heats up with competitive intensity, the city outside is freezing under historic conditions. Ava’s season averages of 16.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game remind fans that she is a player who thrives under pressure now, the pressure has moved from the hardwood to the snow-covered streets of Iowa City.

Local authorities stress that everyone in the affected areas should monitor NWS alerts closely. The official guidance includes:

• Stay indoors whenever possible.
• Avoid travel, especially on main roads like Highway 1 and I-80.
• Clear snow from roofs carefully; avoid climbing.
• Check in on neighbors, especially elderly residents or those living alone.
• Prepare for power outages with flashlights, batteries, and warm blankets.

The storm is forecast to peak in intensity by midweek, with Iowa City and surrounding neighborhoods receiving up to 24 inches of snow by Thursday morning. In addition, gusts exceeding 35 mph will create blizzard-like conditions, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of accidents.

Amid these warnings, the Hawkeye fan community continues to show solidarity. Social media posts featuring Ava Heiden updates, snowstorm tips, and live street photos are trending among fans, blending sports enthusiasm with real-time safety awareness. Many Hawkeye students and alumni have organized volunteer snow crews, helping shovel sidewalks and driveways for vulnerable residents, including families like the Heidens.

“I’ve been checking my feed nonstop,” said Tyler Greene, a junior at the University of Iowa. “Seeing Ava’s parents in this storm makes it real. Everyone is pitching in to help, and it really feels like a team effort on and off the court.”

The blizzard’s impact also raises questions about how upcoming Hawkeye games and events will be affected. While indoor games at Carver-Hawkeye Arena are not directly threatened, travel for fans, visiting teams, and staff could become perilous. School officials are already planning contingency schedules, and local meteorologists are advising that any non-essential travel be postponed until roads are fully cleared.

For residents of North Liberty and Iowa City, the message is clear: this blizzard is historic, dangerous, and unavoidable. Community leaders continue to urge caution while celebrating the resilience of locals, including notable families like the Heidens. The combination of extreme weather and strong local sports culture highlights the unique intersection of daily life, athletic dedication, and emergency preparedness.

As the storm continues to pound Iowa, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather and the importance of community support. For Ava Heiden fans, the concern is twofold: monitoring a rising sports star’s performance while hoping her parents, Randy and Kelly Heiden, remain safe amid one of the most severe blizzards in recent Iowa history.