Blizzard predicted for Fairfield area

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities is predicting a very dangerous winter storm and has issued a blizzard watch for Tuesday morning through Wednesday afternoon.

A blizzard watch means there is a potential for falling and blowing snow with strong winds and extremely poor visibilities, with whiteout conditions and dangerous travel.

The NWS is predicting light snow will develop between midnight and sunrise Tuesday, with a mixture of snow and sleet possible south of Highway 34 Tuesday afternoon, but changing to all snow that night. By Wednesday afternoon, 6 to 12 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible, is predicted.

?This is a particularly dangerous storm that could result in prolonged power outages over large areas and damage from fallen trees or large tree limbs,? states the NWS?s hazardous weather outlook.

Alliant Energy spokesman Ryan Stensland has said if a person?s power goes out, he should report it right away by calling (800) 255-4268 or the automated service at (877) 740-5050.

Access Energy Cooperative customers can report outages by calling (866) 242-4232 or (319) 385-1580 after hours.

According to the NWS, as the storm moves off to the east Tuesday night, sustained winds will increase to 25 to 40 mph, with gusts higher than 50 mph, creating blowing and drifting snow and reduced visibility.

?Whiteout conditions can be expected at times in rural and open areas,? states the NWS?s blizzard watch. ?Travel will become difficult, if not impossible.?

Be prepared for possible trouble on the road by taking along a winter survival kit.

A survival kit, explained the Farm Bureau Financial Services, should include a cell phone, flashlight, jumper cables, sand or kitty litter, a shovel, snowbrush and ice scraper, flares, blankets, bottled water, medications and energy bars. For details on creating a kit, visit the Web www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=8251.

Travelers also should monitor weather forecasts and road condition reports by logging on to www.511ia.org or dialing 511 or (800) 288-1047 for the latest road conditions.

Fairfield public works superintendent Darrel Bisgard said the city street crew is ready for the storm, with materials on hand and trucks and plows ready to go.

?Drive carefully,? said Bisgard. ?When you see a truck, give it extra room because of the adverse conditions.?

Bisgard said the crew tries to quickly and efficiently clear the streets, but it takes time to get the material down and time for the material, which is affected by temperatures and sunshine, to work.

For the complete article, see the Monday, Dec. 7, 2009, printed edition of The Fairfield Ledger.