Story County will be under a winter weather advisory from noon to 9 p.m. Wednesday, with freezing rain or drizzle expected, resulting in up to one-tenth of an inch of ice. With winter conditions changing rapidly, it can be difficult to predict, and it is essential to be prepared for anything.
Student travels
Returning to campus for the spring semester, Iowa State students often face brutal temperatures at the start. Staying informed and prioritizing winter safety is crucial during this time. Winter weather can inconvenience students like Rece Taylor, a sophomore animal science student who regularly took a three-hour drive home during the fall semester.
The cold conditions have brought some financial challenges.
“The snow has rusted parts of my car faster while sitting at the stadium,” Taylor said.
Taylor also had to invest in new tires to handle the winter weather.
Despite these setbacks, Taylor has learned valuable lessons.
“I’ve learned that I need to check my oil and coolant regularly,” he said. “I want to make sure there are no leaks before driving far.”
Common winter driving hazards
Several factors make winter driving hazardous. Craig Bargfrede, the winter operations administrator for the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), highlighted some key dangers travelers should be aware of, including unexpected frost buildup, refreezing and the importance of following weather advisories.
Frost buildup often occurs when warm daytime temperatures are followed by nighttime cooling.
“Frost can really cause very slippery conditions,” Bargfrede said. “You’ll see it during the night time, late evening, early morning.”
Refreeze occurs when daytime temperatures melt packed snow, and below-freezing temperatures at night cause it to refreeze.
“That’s that black ice, the ice that can form on the pavement that you can be driving along in perfectly fine conditions and all of a sudden hit some of those areas where refreeze happens,” Bargfrede said.
Bargfrede also stressed the importance of following advisories before driving in severe conditions.
“We’re not doing it just to do it,” Bargfrede said. “It really becomes a safety issue for those travelers.”
Distracted driving is another frequent hazard that Bargfrede has seen. These conditions demand constant attention on the road, causing accidents when distracted.
“Distracted driving is really a huge issue out there on the roadway,” Bargfrede said. “They don’t reduce their speed, they don’t increase their following distance during these kinds of conditions.”
The Iowa DOT prepares year-round for these harsh winter months, ensuring resources are readily available for the next season.
Winter safety kit
Being prepared when driving in winter can make a significant difference when stranded. Bargfrede recommends that travelers always carry a winter safety kit in their vehicles, including blankets, warm clothes, snacks and water.
“Make sure that you have your tank full of gas and that your cell phone is fully charged,” Bargfrede said. “If something happens and you do get stranded out there and you need to contact somebody, you need to make sure you have your cell phone charged.”
These simple precautions, like checking gas and phone levels before long trips, can substantially improve winter travel safety.
Staying warm
At Iowa State, winter weather has presented a frequent obstacle for students. Fortunately, there are several basic ways to stay warm during the colder months.
One key method is to dress in layers, especially when walking. According to the National Weather Service, “Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.” To stay dry, ensure the outermost layer is water-resistant and hooded.
Mittens that fit snugly around the wrist are a better option than gloves, which may allow cold air to enter. It is also essential to wear a hat when temperatures drop.
According to the National Weather Service, 40% of your body heat can be lost from your head. Face coverings will protect your lungs when traveling in frigid conditions.
Frostbite is a great risk and can develop quickly, especially when walking long distances on campus. The National Weather Service provides an easily accessible chart showing how long it takes to get frostbite based on wind speed and temperature.
Resources
Winter conditions can be managed with the proper precautions. Please refer to the links provided for more information regarding winter driving and staying warm.