Iowa's Turn: The Great Midwest Ice Storm of 2007 Still Going Strong
With humidity at 92% and the temperature at 20 degrees, it doesn't appear the ice will be melting any time soon. In fact, the NWS is predicting freezing rain and sleet for most of the morning and snow this afternoon. Currently, rain is falling and freezing as it hits. Tree branches, and nearly everything else, are sealed in a shrink-wrap of ice, with icicles on cars and buildings getting ever longer.
Iowa Road Conditions
The Iowa State Patrol is strongly suggesting that people stay home and off the roads. The Iowa Department of Transportation is reporting that "100%" of roadways, highways and interstates are "...completely covered with mixed snow ice or slush, towing services prohibited." With nearly two dozen traffic deaths already attributed to this storm in other states, staying off the road is probably the best idea. If snow plows and tow trucks are not braving the ice and slick roads, it's a safe bet that the average commuter is safer leaving the car in the driveway today!
Iowa School Closings
Needless to say virtually all businesses and certainly all schools are closed. There is no word on whether they will be open by tomorrow. Iowa's Winter Storm Warning is in effect until 6 p.m. tonight, with sleet and snow expected on top of all the ice. It is safe to say a second day of closings may be in on the horizon. Won't the children be disappointed!
Des Moines International Airport Closed
As jubilant as the young people in Iowa may be at their "predicament," some travelers at Des Moines International Airport are not so happy. The airport closed Monday night with no word on when it will re-open. Travelers are stranded locally, while cancellations and delays are affecting travelers nationwide. There is simply no way to keep ahead of the ice at this point, even with chemical de-icers.
When Will Power Be Restored?
For the thousands without power, the big question is probably more about when power will be restored than about the details of precisely how cold it is. Unfortunately that is not an easy question to answer. For some it will be hours. For others in more outlying areas, it could be from a few to several days.
Extra crews were called in ahead of the storm, ready and waiting to go to work if and when power emergencies were to occur. And occur, they have. It is excruciating work, especially with the weather still in the midst of its rage against the Midwest. But they are working around the clock and doing their best to restore power in the timeliest manner possible.
Sources:
National Weather Service Web Site
MidAmerican Energy Web Site
Alliant Energy Web Site
Iowa Department of Transportation Web Site
Iowa State Highway Patrol Web Site
Published by Sherry Dedman
I am a divorced Mom of an autistic, 9-year-old boy. I love to write in my "spare" time. I love books, great writing, movies, great music and almost anything with an "edge." View profile
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- Roads considered 100% covered by ice and slush; considred impassable, with towing prohibited.
- Tens of thousands without power.
- Schools and most businesses closed.
17 Comments
Post a CommentWe had an ice storm in Oklahoma in around 2001 I think. It broke just about every power line AND pole for an area about 100 miles in diameter. We were without power in January for two weeks and couldn't even get out of the house for about four days. It was awful! A branch of the huge elm tree in our yard broke and put a hole in the roof. UGH!
What part of Iowa? Here in the upper Northwest (Sioux City, Iowa) it's blue skies, clear roads and sunny! Guess we are lucky!
I am jealous!!..in the Carolina's..I think we had a record heat wave of 80 degree's!!...
Great read, Sherry. I'm in Minnesota and have been watching the news reports for 2 days now. It looks absolutely dreadful!
Good info. We got an ice storm in Mass, but I guess it was not newsworthy :-)
Loved your article. Didn't even realize there was a winter storm in the Midwest, duh! I live in Wisconsin and aside from being cold it's clear and sunny. Home is the ONLY place to be when it's nasty like that although it must be a real pain when the lights are out! Ugh.
Super article!
woah, that is a lot of ice! With weather conditions like the one mentioned, it is not too surprising that travelers were affected. one of the most important things about these events are that no one gets injured outdoors. Good article.
Meanwhile in Olive Branch,Mississippi and Memphis,Tennessee. . . everyone is wearing t-shirts and shorts, enjoying 60degree weather- go figure! Thanks for the article.
Very well written article.