Snow ban violations issued as first winter storm hits Washington

WASHINGTON — A winter storm that dropped up to 10 inches of snow across Washington County kept police and sheriff’s deputies busy throughout the weekend, as officers issued more than three dozen snow-ban citations and responded to a steady stream of vehicles sliding off roadways.

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The National Weather Service said the storm ranked among the heaviest November snowfall events on record for the region.

“A long duration winter storm tracked across the region Friday night and Saturday,” the agency reported. “Widespread snowfall amounts over 8" were common, with some locations receiving over a foot of snow! This will likely go down as one of the highest snowfall events for any year for the month of November.”

As road conditions deteriorated, Washington police and Washington County deputies handled call after call involving vehicles in ditches, medians or blocking lanes. North of Ainsworth Saturday morning, Nov. 29, a caller reported a brown F-150 “parked on the bridge rail on the wrong side of the lane on G36,” according to dispatch logs. The truck was moved off the roadway, and the occupants arranged their own assistance.

Deputies then responded to a series of weather-related incidents along Highway 218 near Riverside. At 10:07 a.m., a caller said he was “stuck in the median after sliding off the roadway.”

A passerby helped free the gray Nissan Sentra. Minutes later, another report came in about a dark-colored car that had slid onto the southbound shoulder; the occupants waited for a tow.

Around noon, deputies headed to a report of a semi that “slid out of control and is blocking both south bound lanes of traffic.”

Before officers arrived, the driver managed to regain control and continue south.

Later calls included a vehicle in a ditch on Vine Avenue, a truck and trailer stuck in the median near Ainsworth, a white van lodged in the median near mile marker 77, and an unoccupied van in a ditch outside Kalona. Deputies also investigated a single-vehicle rollover outside Wellman, where the driver reported no injuries.

Inside city limits, Washington police focused on snow-ban enforcement.

The department reminded downtown residents, “Please have vehicles removed from the downtown square area from 10 p.m. — 6 a.m. to allow for snow removal,” and warned that “Fines for Snow Ban Parking violations are $50 and vehicles parked on the streets for more than 24-hours may be towed at the owner's expense.”

WPD also urged residents to clear walkways.

“Keeping sidewalks shoveled helps keep everyone safe — especially children walking to school, postal employees delivering your mail, neighbors out and about, and first responders who may need quick access,” the department said in a statement. “Please do your part to help keep sidewalks safe and accessible to everyone. If you’re able, consider lending a hand to an elderly neighbor or someone who may need extra assistance.”

According to Washington City Ordinance Chapter 53 Snow and Ice, sidewalks must be cleared within 48 hours after snow has stopped.

With winter just beginning, police say their message remains the same: follow parking rules, clear sidewalks and stay cautious on slick roads.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com