So far, this winter has been an unusually dry one across most of central Iowa, and there was no White Christmas to speak of a few weeks back. But that’s all expected to change this morning with the first major snowstorm of the season in the forecast.

The National Weather Service’s warning predicts total snow accumulations of six to 11 inches between Monday at 9 a.m. and Tuesday at 6 p.m. with wind gusts as high as 40 miles per hour likely by Tuesday afternoon.

Some governmental bodies and school districts in the area had already preemptively canceled events and meetings as a result of the forecast by the time this issue of the T-R went to press.

While most residents of this area have lived through at least one major winter weather event in the past, Marshall County Emergency Management Coordinator Kim Elder shared a few tips when contacted by the T-R Sunday evening.

“Keep on top of NWS information as it can change. Visit the 511 site or use the app to plan travel. Be sure to get prepared NOW before storm is at the height, get meds, formula, diapers, and special needs items and a few groceries you may need so you do not have to travel. Know that IDOT and Marshall County roads dept will get the roads most traveled and then work out to those less traveled. It takes time. Be patient. Allow more time for travel and slow down, allow extra following stopping distance when in your vehicle. There is plenty of time to be prepared,” she said. “There will be bitter cold behind the storm. The snow will be heavy. Pace yourself and or get help to move the snow. Many people that aren’t used to the strenuous activity attempt too much too quickly.”

The Marshall County 911 Communications department made light of the situation in a social media post on Sunday morning, predicting that residents could expect “0-100 inches of snow” beginning “Sunday night, possibly Monday or not at all.”

“Stock up on all necessities immediately. Prepare for snowpocalypse or a normal week. Either is possible,” it concluded.

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Contact Robert Maharry at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.