NWS: Blizzard conditions possible Tuesday

Caucusgoers should not be affected tonight.

However, a strong snowstorm pushing into Iowa overnight brings blizzard watches and warnings, and will impact Tuesday morning and Tuesday evening commutes across southwest Iowa. As of press time, National Weather Service is predicting snowfall totals ranging from 6 to 8 inches in Creston.

“Close your eyes and throw a dart. We could get 2, 4, 6 or 12 inches,” said Jo Duckworth, emergency management coordinator in Union County. “The National Weather Service does a great job, but we are right on the edge of this storm and it’s hard to predict.”

NWS is predicting icy conditions beginning around midnight, then light snowfall overnight with commuters awaking to 1 to 3 inches. Heavier snow and strong winds with gusts up to 40 miles per hour are expected during Tuesday morning’s commute. Visibility will be less than 1/4 mile at times.

“It doesn’t matter if we get four inches or a foot, with winds speeds at 30 to 40 miles per hour, it’s going to be terrible Tuesday,” Duckworth said.

If you must travel Tuesday, NWS suggests greatly reducing travel times, being aware that some roadways will be closed, letting others know your destination and don’t forget your fully-charged cell phone.

Duckworth said power outages are possible Tuesday and suggests having a plan of action if that does occur.

Drifting will continue Wednesday with high temperature in the 20s and an overnight low of 10 degrees. Temperatures are expected to warm up by the weekend with Saturday’s high in the upper 30s.

This is only the second notable snowstorm for Creston this winter. Creston received about 4 inches of snowfall during a snowstorm in late December.

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Car safety tips for Tuesday (if you must travel)

• Let others know your destination

• Don’t forget your cell phone

• Have a full tank of gas

• Have first aid kit and jumper cables

• Have extra clothing, blankets, hats and gloves in your trunk

• Pack a shovel and snow chains