Winter Storm Bruce Slams Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa took a direct hit from Winter Storm Bruce on Sunday.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The storm had been predicted for nearly a week, but it was uncertain as to where exactly the main impact area was to be.

By 10:00 am on Sunday morning, it was evident that Oskaloosa was the epicenter of the major winter storm that had been labeled “Bruce” by the National Weather Service.

By 11:00 am, large, wet snowflakes were falling at a rate of two inches per hour, and travel was becoming difficult.

By 12:30 in the afternoon on Sunday, Mahaska County Emergency Management measured 11 inches of snow in Oskaloosa.

First responders began taking multiple calls of stranded motorists, as vehicles were unable to navigate the streets.

Motorists unable to travel any further found refuge at many of the hotels in Oskaloosa.

As the day wore on, patrol vehicles started to become disabled in the heavy snow, struggling to free themselves to help answer the next call for help.

At Exit 60 along U.S. Highway 163, multiple vehicles became stranded, and the Iowa State Patrol asked for the assistance of the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office to help with the situation.

By 5 pm, measurements of 17 inches of snow started to be reported in the Oskaloosa area, which caused the Oskaloosa School District to cancel classes for Monday.

After the snow quit falling, winds up to 40 miles-per-hour created other travel hazards, which slowed recovery and the opening of roads to traffic.

Mahaska County Emergency Manager Jamey Robinson said that all things considered, things went pretty well around the county, and since the snow band was as narrow as it was, once travelers made it to New Sharon, or south to Eddyville, driving became much easier.

As of print time, no injuries or fatalaties were reported as a result of the storm.