DES MOINES, Iowa — The winter storm heading towards central Iowa is now here and it's expected to cause hazardous traveling conditions Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday.
Snow began in western Iowa around sunrise Tuesday, then moved into central Iowa. Snow is likely across all of Iowa Tuesday afternoon and will continue to fall Tuesday evening north of I-80, but those south of I-80 will likely see a switch to freezing rain and sleet.
Most of the precipitation will clear out early Wednesday morning.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) prepared the roads for winter weather on Monday, sending out plows to cover the roads in salt and brine to keep vehicles from sliding.
"When it does start snowing and we get snow reaching the pavement, the material already on the pavement will activate and help prevent bonding between snow and ice to the pavement and will allow us to get in there with our trucks and clear off the road and get it back to near normal winter driving conditions much quicker," said Craig Bargfrege with the Iowa DOT. "
You can check out road conditions by visiting the DOT's website.
For the latest weather forecast, visit WeAreIowa.com/Weather or download the We Are Iowa app!
Here's a look at what cities have issued snow ordinances so far:
Ames
The City of Ames' snow ordinance will go into effect at 12 p.m. Tuesday ahead of the winter storm. Vehicles must be moved off of streets that are designated as snow routes.
Snow routes are marked by red and white signs. The snow ordinance remains in effect until the streets are completely plowed from curb-to-curb and it has stopped snowing.
All residents are asked to remove parked vehicles from residential streets, especially those parked in culdesacs. However, only those parked on snow routes are required to move their vehicle.
Ankeny
The City of Ankeny issued a snow ordinance Monday evening. It will go into effect at 10 a.m. Tuesday and will stay until 10 a.m. Thursday.
During this time:
- No parking allowed on all public streets, alleys and on-street parking within the city when the snow ordinance is in effect.
- No parking is allowed until the snow ordinance is officially lifted by the City.
- Parking in The District at Prairie Trail and Uptown Business District is prohibited from 2 – 6 a.m.
- Vehicles parked on the street during a snow ordinance will be ticketed $40 and may be towed.
Belmond
Parking on City streets in Belmond is banned from 9 a.m. Tuesday until the streets have been cleared.
Bondurant
The City of Bondurant's snow ordinance goes into effect at 9 a.m. Tuesday and will remain in effect for 24 hours after the snowfall ends.
Public Works has asked residents to remove vehicles from the streets so crews can clear them of ice and snow more efficiently.
Boone
The city's snow ordinance will go into effect at 9 p.m. Tuesday for residential and 11 p.m. for the business district (ticket and tow).
Carlisle
The Carlisle Police Department announced a snow ordinance for the City Monday evening. Their ordinance will go into effect at 8 a.m. Tuesday and will last until it has stopped snowing.
Clive
The City of Clive is experiencing winter weather conditions and the snow/ice ordinance is in effect. Public Works and Parks crews are conducting full snow removal operations on Clive streets. Residents are asked to move their parked vehicles from City streets in order to help crews perform their plowing duties in a safe and efficient manner. All Clive residents and businesses have a role in snow/ice removal operations. Please click here for more information on parking during snow/ice events, snow removal on sidewalks, and other snow removal procedures.
Des Moines
Des Moines Snow Ordinance for Snow Routes will be in effect at 11am Tuesday, and no parking will be allowed along those routes until further notice. www.dmsnow.org .
Grimes
Grimes' snow ordinance will go into effect Tuesday at 12 p.m. and will end Wednesday at 3 p.m.
Johnston
The City of Johnston Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and remain in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
All vehicles must be removed from city streets. If a vehicle is not removed from the street, it may be ticketed or towed.
All vehicles must be moved off city streets during this time so snowplows can efficiently clear roads from curb-to-curb. For more information on the City Code (69.11), visit www.cityofjohnston.com/citycode. Businesses and residents should clear their sidewalks within 48 hours after the snowfall ends.
Not doing this is a violation of city code (136.03).
Norwalk
The City of Norwalk's snow ordinance is set to go into effect at 12 p.m. Tuesday. All vehicles must be removed from public streets to avoid ticketing and towing.
The ordinance will stay in effect until further notice.
Osceola
The City of Osceola will place their snow ordinance into effect beginning at noon Tuesday, December 29th, 2020, and expiring at 9 am Wednesday, December 30th, 2020.
The ordinance prohibits parking on city streets, alleyways, and all city-owned lots. Vehicles left on city streets, alleyways, or city-owned lots while the ordinance is in effect are subject to being ticketed and towed at the owner's expense.
The ordinance goes into effect automatically whenever 2 inches or more of snow or ice is predicted or has already fallen.
Pella
The City of Pella's snow ordinance will go into effect at noon on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, and will remain in effect until further notice. Vehicles remaining on the street or in public parking lots are subject to ticketing and/or towing.
Snow plows make multiple passes; therefore, do not park on streets or public parking lots until you receive an additional notification that officially lifts the snow ordinance.
Waukee
The City of Waukee is declaring that a Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect at 9 a.m. Tuesday and remain in effect until 9 a.m. Thursday.
The parking ban applies to all streets in Waukee.
The removal of vehicles from the streets allows crews to work on efficiently and safely clearing streets of snow; it also allows emergency vehicles accessible passage through City streets.
Per Waukee Municipal Code §502.17, vehicles in violation of the parking ban are subject to a $25 fine and/or towing. Learn more and/or subscribe to text alerts.
West Des Moines
An emergency parking ban will go into effect at 12 p.m. Tuesday and stay in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The ban applies to all streets in West Des Moines, so residents should move their cars to avoid a $50 fine and/or towing.
Share your favorite winter or snow pictures by emailing them to Local 5 at news@weareiowa.com or texting us at 515-457-1026.
