Experts say the approaching snowstorm has the potential to be the worst to hit Iowa in nearly a decade and forecasters say we need to prepare for very heavy snowfall. Meteorologist Rod Donavon, at the National Weather Service, says a Winter Storm Warning is posted for the southern two-thirds of … [Read more...]
Des Moines crews use beet juice to help fight snow
Street crews in Iowa's largest city are using an atypical product on the roads today in anticipation of more snow over the weekend. Des Moines Public Works Director Jonathan Gano says they mix saltwater with beet juice to spray onto the pavement as an anti-icing agent. Gano says the beet juice … [Read more...]
Snow hasn’t eased drought concerns in the state
Last fall's mild, dry weather allowed many Iowa farmers to harvest their crops in record time, but now those same conditions are causing concern. Meteorologist Dennis Todey, director of the U.S.D.A.'s Midwest Climate Hub in Ames, says drought continues to be the biggest worry. "We have some very … [Read more...]
Cold weather can do a number of your car
Temperatures were in the single digits and teens this morning across Iowa, and for those of us who park our cars outside, below-zero wind chills can be heck on our cars. Bob Fenster, an auto mechanic in Omaha/Council Bluffs, says the frigid weather is tough on vehicles and it's likely worth the … [Read more...]
Drought expected to continue into spring
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...]