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Marshalltown has been rather fortunate this winter. While the season was dry, there was a significantly lower number of snowstorms until last night.
Is it the dreaded "snowpocalypse?" Marshall County Emergency Management Director Kim Elder said it is not.
"But it depends on how you look at it," she said. "For new drivers or people who are new to the area, it might be. For us who have lived here most of our lives, this is not a terrible snowstorm."
Elder said it is not a blizzard with winds expected up to 20 mph. To be categorized as a blizzard, a winter storm must produce wind of at least 35 mph and reduce visibility to a quarter mile for three or more hours.
"Depending on where it falls, we will get 11 inches of snow," she said.
The storm was expected to begin with light, fluffy snow turning heavy and wet, which Elder said might create problems. The heavy snow can pull on vehicles when driving. She urged people to use caution if they need to travel.
"Our plows still need to be out there, the first responders and people who need to get to work," Elder said. "The diapers someone forgot can wait."
She is concerned about residents who are not the healthiest or are not used to physical exertion. Drivers who end up in the ditch during winter storms might be inclined to move snow away from their vehicles. Getting the vehicle off the road will give plows enough room to remove the snow, and will prevent other drivers from crashing.
Elder said it is important for drivers to keep a full tank of gas. Depending on how long the vehicle is stuck, the driver will be able to warm the car up for five to 10 minutes every hour.
"Staying warm will be the priority," she said. "This is not a long snow event, but make sure you have layers -- blankets, gloves, socks."
Elder is concerned about the expected cold temperatures following the storm.
"The cold can make things very slick," she said.
Personally, Elder prefers to have a sleeping bag in her travel winter kit. She said it rolls up nice and neat and provides the necessary warmth. Having food and water in a short storm is not necessary, but Elder said they are always nice to have. She suggested high-energy foods, such as granola bars. Keeping a cell phone charger in the car is also smart.
"You can let people know where you are," she said. "Do not get out in the height of the storm. Wait until after it passes, if it's not too messy."
Vehicle headlights should stay on, and tailpipes should stay cleared to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
"These storms used to happen all the time," Elder said. "Just remember to be safe."
EMERGENCY ALERT:
Residents of Marshalltown are urged to abide by the emergency snow route parking rules to allow city snow plows to clear the streets. The parking rules will remain in effect until the snow emergency is lifted.
The emergency routes are plowed before any other streets in town, and are marked with red and white "Emergency Snow Route" and "No Parking During Snow Removal Operations" signs. Parking on the emergency routes when there are 2 or more inches of snow is not allowed. Violators will be ticketed, and vehicles will be towed.
The streets include:
• All cul-de-sacs
• South Sixteenth Street from Church to Linn streets
• East side of Fourth Avenue from Church to Nevada
• South Sixth Street from Main to Madison
• North Sixth Street from Highland Drive to Jerome Street
• North Eighth Street from Summit to State
• East Boone Street from Third to Fourth avenues
vHighland Drive from Fifth to Sixth streets
• West Linn Street from Sixteenth Street to A Point 861 FT East
• Melody Lane
• Noble and Wood streets from South Seventh to South Eighth avenues
• Young Street
When it comes to snow removal, it is illegal to push snow from private property into public. Residents also need to remove snow and ice from the public sidewalks in front of their homes.
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Contact Lana Bradstream
at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or
lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.