Winter Storm Takes Aim At Iowa
This Iowa DOT truck works to keep roads open during the most recent winter storm.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Winter is once again marching its way back to Iowa and Oskaloosa. The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Winter Storm Warning that will be in effect from 3 pm Thursday until Noon on Friday.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snow and blowing snow over central and southern Iowa during the afternoon on Thursday. The heaviest snow is predicted to develop quickly once the storm arrives, and could last for six hours before diminishing somewhat later on during the evening Thursday.
Once the heaviest snow passes, light snow will persist into Friday before eventually coming to an end later in the day.
A possibility of light freezing rain on Thursday night could give the fresh snow an icy layer on top.
By the storms end, 6 to 9 inches will be possible, and some locations could possibly be even higher.
The easterly winds will increase late Thursday night to 15 to 25 miles per hour, with higher gusts possible before diminishing later in the night. Snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour combined with those stronger winds could reduce visibility to a quarter of a mile or less.
The National Weather Service expects conditions to deteriorate rapidly as the snow moves in on Thursday afternoon.
Mahaska County Emergency Manager Jamey Robinson reminds residents to have at a minimum 72 hours of supplies on hand. Robinson says that “if they’re planned, and they’re ready, and they’re prepared, they shouldn’t have any issues.”
The Oskaloosa area is on the edge of the larger snow amounts Robinson said, “if it does shift slightly to the east, our snow amount can go up quite a bit. If it shifts a little bit to the west, our measurements can go down.”
Having diapers, prescriptions and the staples from the grocery store helps prevent extra trips when the roads can be most dangerous. “Have it on hand. Have it ready to go so that you’re not risking the lives of yourself, family, or the responders that have to come out to assist you in the event that you do have an accident.” Robinson said.
“It’s a big push for me this year to stress the importance of – if you don’t need to travel, or travel is not advised, don’t do it.” Robinson explained.
