Weather Related Announcements12/22/22-12/23/22

Issued By
Des Moines – IA, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Portions of Central Iowa
Description
BLIZZARD WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON THURSDAY TO 6 AM CST SATURDAY…

WHAT…Snow is beginning this afternoon and will continue intermittently through early Thursday. Winds will also increase Thursday and continue into Friday night when blizzard conditions are expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 5 inches, with locally higher amounts possible. Wind gusts of 40 to 50 mph or greater may occur late Thursday through Friday. Extreme cold and wind chills of 20 to 40 below will be common.

WHERE…Portions of Central Iowa

WHEN…For the Winter Storm Warning, until noon CST Thursday. For the Blizzard Warning, from noon Thursday to 6 AM CST Saturday.

IMPACTS…Plan on periods of blizzard conditions along with very poor road conditions at times. Areas of blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions may impact the morning and definitely the evening commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS…It needs to be emphasized that the combination of blowing snow, blizzard conditions, and extreme cold will be very hazardous and possibly life threatening if stranded outside.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app, www.511ia.org, or dial 511.
More Information
…Significant Winter Storm with Blizzard Conditions and Extreme Cold over the Next Few Days…

Blizzard Warnings Now in Effect Thursday into Saturday!

A powerful winter storm will begin impacting the region today and last into Friday night. A significant multifaceted event is expected, including periods of concurrent blizzard conditions and extreme cold. Travel could be dangerous to near impossible at times Thursday and Friday. Extreme cold is expected as well with wind chills falling to 20 to 40 below zero from late Thursday through the end of the week.

Those with holiday travel planned later today through Friday night are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to forecast updates and road conditions, and prepare accordingly if travel is a must. Altering travel plans, if possible, is strongly encouraged.

Closings and Other Announcements

AGWSR Schools Thursday: Closed
Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center Schools Thursday: Closed
Alden Schools Thursday: Closed
BCLUW Schools Thursday: Closed

CAL Community Schools Thursday: Closed

Calhoun County Offices Thursday: Closed; Friday: Closed

Carroll Public Schools Thursday: Closed

GMG Schools Tama Thursday: Closed
Gladbrook-Reinbeck Schools Thursday: Closed
Griswold Schools Cass Thursday: Closed
Grundy Center Schools Thursday: Closed
Hampton-Dumont Schools Thursday Morning: Closed

Heartland Bank (Callender & Somers Branches) Friday: Closed

Iowa Central Community College Thursday: Closed

Iowa Falls Schools Thursday: Closed

Iowa Specialty Hospital/Fort Dodge Clinic Thursday&Friday: Closed

Laurens-Marathon Schools Thursday: Closed
Lenox Schools Thursday: Closed

Manson Ministerial Food Pantries Friday: Closed

Manson-NW Webster Schools Wednesday Afternoon: Closing 2 hours early
Thursday Morning: Closed
Nevada Schools Thursday: Closed
New Opportunities Calhoun County Family Development Center Thursday: Closed; Friday: Closed

Newton Schools Thursday: Closed
Ogden Schools Thursday: Closed
Pella Christian Schools Thursday: Closed

Pocahontas Area Schools Thursday Morning: Closed
Prairie Lakes Church Thursday: Christmas Eve Service Canceled

South Hardin Schools Thursday: Closed

Stratford Schools Thursday: Closed
Sully Christian School Thursday Morning: Closed

Webster City Schools Thursday: Closed
Webster County Courthouse and Offices: Closed

Wright County Courthouse Thursday and Friday: Closed