(Undated)– Blizzard conditions are expected to impact the region as we head into the afternoon (Wed.).
A blizzard warning is in effect for most of the KUOO listening area. It’s in effect until 6:00 pm for Clay, Dickinson, and Osceola counties in Iowa and Cottonwood, Jackson, Murray and Nobles counties in southwest Minnesota. The blizzard warning for Emmet, Kossuth, Palo Alto and Pocahontas counties is in effect until 11:00 pm this (Wed.) evening; and for Martin and Watonwan counties in south central Minnesota it’s in effect until 7:00 pm.
The National Weather Service says up to an inch of snow can be expected on top of the 1 to 2 inches that fell overnight last (Tues.) across the region. Forecasters say that will combine with wind gusting at times in the range of 45 to 55 mph to create whiteout or near whiteout conditions, making travel extremely difficult, if not even impossible in some cases.
Authorities say travel this afternoon and evening should be limited to emergencies only. Even then, trooper Kevin Krull of the Iowa State Patrol says there are some things to keep in mind…
“Make sure you have the warm clothing, a blanket, in that vehicle, have that winter survival kit, maybe some water, some handwarmers…some of those chemical handwarmers or something like that to help keep you warm. Some plastic in case you break your window and some good tape to tape that up in case a window would become broken or what not. If you find yourself broke down try to get off the side of the road, off the roadway as far as you can so you’re not a hazard that way. We’re going to have some whiteout conditions, I’m sure, like we did previously. Watch the weather and keep an eye on that wind and the snow because that blowing snow is what’s going to be the problem, I believe. That’s what they’re predicting I know. With 50 to 60 mph winds blowing around it doesn’t take too much snow to create a whiteout condition. So watch the road conditions, be mindful of that, maybe wait it out if you can, find a safe spot and pick the location before you get in a bad situation and you’re stuck with the location. If you do find yourself on the side of the road, stay in your vehicle. You’re more likely to be safe inside the vehicle if somebody was to come by and hit your vehicle, you’d stand a better chance than if it was to hit you standing on the roadway.”
Krull also recommends for those who feel they must travel to contact a family member or friend and let them know of your route and destination.
