Much of western Iowa was in drought last year and even with a couple of heavy snowstorms already this winter, the drought is expected to continue at least into spring. Dennis Todey, director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Midwest Climate Hub in Ames, says it’s unlikely things will change … [Read more...]
State Patrol not recommending travel in parts of western Iowa
The Iowa State Patrol has issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for parts of western Iowa -- including Adair, Cass, and Pottawattamie Counties. Trooper Ryan DeVault was working near Exit 60 in Cass County and says, “Travel is absolutely treacherous.” He says they have multiple semis in the ditch and … [Read more...]
Winter storm heading Iowa’s way once again
Forecasters say a large winter storm system is moving toward Iowa that will likely impact travel for many of us before the weekend arrives. Up to nine inches of snow is forecast for parts of west and central Iowa along with winds gusting up to 50 miles-an-hour. Meteorologist Cory Martin, at the … [Read more...]
Winter winds aren’t wicked yet, but pets still need TLC in the snow, cold
Iowa is fortunate to have only had a few bitter cold days so far this winter with wind chills of 20-below, but it's still plenty cold for our pets, especially those furry critters that are used to living the life of luxury indoors. Pam Wiese, with the Humane Society, says it's vital that Iowans … [Read more...]
Des Moines leaders set goal of using all carbon-free power by 2035
Des Moines is setting the goal of using 100 percent carbon-free electricity community-wide by 2035 to fight the effects of climate change. It’s part of a resolution passed by the city council Monday night that also aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in Des Moines by 45-percent over the next … [Read more...]
Pocket your smartphone to protect it from the Iowa winter’s chill
With the pandemic, many Iowans are spending more time outside to get exercise, even during the winter, and some may be noticing the cold can quickly sap the power from their cell phones. Most phones use lithium-ion batteries which contain a liquid. Dee Taylor, the west Iowa sales director for … [Read more...]
Forecast favors a snowy January
Parts of Iowa got two sizeable snowstorms last week and now forecasters are saying it could be very snowy in the month ahead. Meteorologist Dennis Todey, director of the U.S.D.A.'s Midwest Climate Hub in Ames, says the outlooks show a more active trend developing through mid-January. "Looking … [Read more...]
Report: Iowa is in middle of pack in prepping for impacts of climate change
Iowa has moderate vulnerability to the health impacts of climate change, according to a study from a non-profit, non-partisan health policy, research and advocacy group. Matt McKillop, senior researcher at Trust for America’s Health, says the report found many states are woefully unprepared to … [Read more...]
State plows back out cleaning up from snowstorm
State roadways are starting to improve as Department of Transportation crews are out again cleaning up from the snowstorm. DOT Winter Operations Administrator, Craig Bargfrede, says they did some prep even before the storm hit. He says they were able to do a lot of pretreating of the roadways so … [Read more...]
Middle and eastern side of state get heaviest amounts of snow
Snowblowers and snowplows will be busy again today as the work to clear streets, parking lots, and sidewalks continues after the storm Tuesday dumped a lot of snow on the state. National Weather Service meteorologist, Kristy Carter, at the Johnson office says there was one total that will go in … [Read more...]