A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect from midnight Wednesday until midnight Thursday for Story County, prompting the Ames Community School District to cancel class Wednesday.
As of the time of publication, Iowa State had not given a notice that the university would close its campus or that classes would be virtual.
“What seems like the first widespread, significant snowfall of the season is finally here in February for much of the state,” according to the NWS. “Snow is expected to begin toward midnight tonight over far western Iowa, spreading into central and eastern Iowa after midnight.”
The warning calls for total snow accumulations of 5-7 inches, which may cause “hazardous conditions,” affecting both the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
As of Tuesday evening, the NWS forecast called for 5 inches of snow in Ames, with an 80% chance of seeing over 4 inches, and a 47% chance of seeing 6 inches.
The city of Ames has also issued a snow ordinance that went into effect at 10 p.m. Tuesday. Snow ordinance routes are marked with red and white “emergency snow route” signs and are expected to be in effect until 10 p.m. Wednesday, depending on plowing conditions.
Only vehicles on designated snow routes are required to be moved, but the city also encourages residents to remove vehicles from residential streets, especially those in circles or cul-de-sacs.
According to previous reporting from the Daily, students should be aware of some simple winter travel tips.
Craig Bargfrede, the winter operations administrator for the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), highlighted some key dangers, and said distracted driving is one of the greatest problems.
“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.”
Those who have to travel are also reminded to keep a winter safety kit in their vehicles, including blankets, warm clothes, a flashlight, 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.”
A Winter Storm Warning is issued when snow amounts of 6 inches or more are expected during an event, or when conditions approach blizzard criteria, even if snowfall amounts are less than the criteria.
For the latest forecast and driving conditions, visit NWS Des Moines or Iowa511.
