Snow shuts down schools, businesses

MARENGO — The National Weather Service warned Feb. 11 that a storm system moving through the state Feb. 12 could produce the first significant snowfall of the year for many Iowans.

As snow covered roads Wednesday morning, schools, government offices and businesses closed for the day.

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The Weather Service predicted prolonged periods of light to moderate snowfall from late Tuesday night through Wednesday evening with snow totals of five to eight inches throughout southeast Iowa.

Snow was expected to fall at a rate of ½ inch or more per hour. The drier air in northern Iowa would limit snowfall there, said the NWS.

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Included in the winter storm warning were Benton, Linn, Iowa, Johnson, Washington and Muscatine Counties, including the cities of Marengo, Iowa City, Vinton and Washington.

The National Weather Service warned that travel would be difficult and could impact morning and evening commutes Wednesday, Feb. 12.

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in vehicle in case of an emergency,” NWS said. Road conditions were updated at 511ia.org for people who contemplated travel.

The Iowa Department of Transportation reported Wednesday evening that Interstate 80 through Iowa County was partially covered, but most roads to the north and south of it were completely snow covered.

The City of Marengo declared a snow emergency Tuesday, effective beginning at 6 a.m. Wednesday. During a snow emergency, no parking is allowed on city streets until the snow has ceased falling and snow has been removed by city crews.

Marengo declared another snow emergency beginning at midnight Saturday for a second round of snow, though totals fell short of the three inches predicted by the the National Weather Service.

The City of Belle Plaine also declared a snow emergency Tuesday, effective from noon Wednesday through noon Friday. Parking on city streets was prohibited during that time.

In Williamsburg, most people stayed off the streets, making the clearing of city streets easier. “It was one of the better snows for people to stay home,” said Aaron Sandersfeld.

It helped that school was canceled, Sandersfeld said. People weren’t dropping off and picking up students. “It gave us a chance to get out there.”

Iowa County Emergency Medical Services issued a tow ban Feb. 12. “Road conditions are pretty much completely covered across the board,” EMS said in a Facebook post.

“Iowa County is also currently in a tow ban. That means if you decide you want go out driving today and end up in the ditch, your car is going to sit for a while. Be safe.”

The Iowa County Courthouse and county offices in the East Annex closed at noon Wednesday as snow totals climbed.

Belle Plaine, Williamsburg and HLV School Districts canceled school Wednesday and had two-hour delays Thursday.

Iowa Valley canceled Wednesday and considered a two-hour delay for Thursday but decided to cancel Thursday classes because of the high volume of flu absences.

Skies cleared Thursday, but temperatures fell to single digits. In Amana, Kathleen Kuenstling shoveled her walk on 220th Trail. The weather wasn't too bad, she said. The sun was shining, and there was no wind.

Though foot traffic was light, several shoppers visited Amana’s historic shops in spite of the snow.

Iowa County Engineer Nick Amelon told Iowa County Supervisors Friday that the county had received 200 tons of salt this week and would get another next week.

“It’ll be a lot of just cleaning up snow,” Amelon said. “We did keep M Avenue open till 9 p.m. [Wednesday].”

More snow was supposed arrive in Iowa County about 3 p.m. Friday, and Amelon planned to keep road crews out until 6 p.m. Friday and get them back out Saturday morning.

As snow moved out of the area, frigid temperatures moved in. Highs will remain in single digits until Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

(This story was edited to add comments from Williamsburg City Manager Aaron Sandersfeld.)