MUSCATINE, Iowa – The potential for accumulating snowfall this weekend has the Department of Public Works (DPW) preparing for snow removal, but whether the trucks go out or not depends on how much, if any, snowfall Muscatine receives.
“Public Works is monitoring the possibility of a snow storm moving into the area late Friday and into Saturday,” Brian Stineman, DPW director said. “All snow plows and salt trucks are ready for service and staff will be on standby to respond as necessary.”
The outlook from Muscatine Iowa Weather indicates that after a high in the upper 50s Thursday (Dec. 10), Friday will see colder temperatures with rain showers during the day and turning into a wintry mix overnight. As the colder air moves in the rain will change over to snow between 4-8 a.m. Saturday. Most of our accumulations looks to fall during the morning hours on Saturday before ending by the evening hours.
The Quad Cities office of the National Weather Service lessens the total accumulation in their Muscatine forecast but does indicate that roads will be slick and hazardous.
The track of the storm is not certain as yet with the total accumulation forecast varying between little or no snow accumulation to a range between 1-3 inches to 3-5 inches.
While the amount of snowfall is unknown, Stineman noted that this is a good time for residents to reacquaint themselves with the snow procedures of the City of Muscatine and to refresh themselves on winter safety.
While Stineman does not anticipate Muscatine declaring a snow emergency, he does suggest that residents can assist with snow removal operations by avoiding parking on the street over the weekend or adhering to the “alternate side of street” parking plan specified in the City of Muscatine Snow Emergency Ordinance.
“At this time we do not plan to issue a snow emergency,” Stineman said. “However, we would appreciate it if residents could park off street if they are able so that the plows can have full access for snow removal.”
Stineman added that the City will continue to monitor forecasts.
“We will adjust our snow removal efforts as necessary to provide the safest road conditions possible for the traveling public,” Stineman said. “As always we advise drivers to slow down and use extra caution when driving in winter weather conditions.”
The “alternate side of parking” plan allows vehicles to be parked on the odd-numbered side of the street on odd-numbered days, and on the even-numbered side of the street on even-numbered days. On all streets where parking is allowed on one side only, if the permitted side (where parking is allowed) is even numbered, vehicles can park on that side only on even-numbered days. If the permitted side (where parking is allowed) is odd-numbered, vehicles can park on that side only on odd-numbered days. No parking is ever allowed on the side of the street where parking is prohibited by posted sign.
“It really helps our plow crews to clear the streets quicker if people would not park on the street during heavy snowfall events,” Stineman said. “Whether we have a snow emergency or not, any help the public can provide by parking off the street or using the parking plan is appreciated.”
As we move into the winter season, residents can be better prepared for hazardous conditions by visiting the National Weather Service Winter Safety page.
Preparedness:
- A Winter Storm Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for significant winter weather and/or blizzard conditions. Time to prepare.
- A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a combination of heavy snow, blowing snow, and possibly ice mixed with snow is expected to impact the area. Time to act.
- A Blizzard Warning is issued when the combination of strong wind, low visibility, and heavy snow will significantly impact daily life.