Blizzard warning forces changes

A major winter storm was bearing down on Iowa Monday, causing many schools, organizations, businesses and travelers to alter their plans in anticipation of a blizzard.

Even the Mirror-Reporter, a weekly Wednesday publication, moved up its regular schedule because of the likelihood it could not be printed on Tuesday.  The newspaper was prepared and printed on Monday for hopeful distribution through the U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday.  The potential still existed at press time that postal workers will not be able to reach all customers on Tuesday.

Clear Lake Schools also announced on Monday a public meeting for input into the selection of a new superintendent had already been moved to Thursday, rather than the previously scheduled Wednesday night.

The Mason City Municipal Airport announced it would be closed Tuesday, due to the impending blizzard.  All Air Choice One flights and Jefferson Bus Lines travel are suspended.  The Airport is expected to reopen on Wednesday morning.

According to the Iowa Weather Network, headquartered in Clear Lake, a major winter storm is expected to impact the area beginning Monday night.  Significant snowfall is expected with high winds across much of the state.

Light snow was expected to begin as soon as Monday afternoon south of I-80 and west of I-35 (rain to the east of I-35). Snow was forecast to quickly overspread the state, with heavy snow developing throughout the overnight hours. By the early morning hours on Tuesday, the heaviest snow was expected.  The worst of the storm will ramp up during the afternoon and evening hours Tuesday in the northwest part of the state, where 20-30 mph sustained winds with gusts to over 40 mph will create extremely dangerous to impossible travel.

“The greatest impacts will be seen here, as this is where the heaviest snow will fall and the highest winds will be,” said Henry Luker, of IWN.  Snow will continue through the evening before snow tapers off through the overnight hours.  Any snow that fell the night before will continue to blow as winds continue through the early hours on Wednesday.

Along with the presumptuous cancellation of schools and businesses and events on Tuesday, Wednesday may be included in this, as well (primarily across the north) where the blowing snow will continue.