Winter Weather Arrives With a Vengeance

Just like The majority of Iowa, Oskaloosa will be in the thick of it today.

With predictions ranging from freezing rain to multiple inches of snow and white-out blizzard conditions, today is not a day for risky behavior on the road. As of Monday evening, a winter storm watch had been issued for Mahaska County, which is not set to expire until sometime Wednesday.

Jamey Robinson, Mahaska County Emergency Management coordinator, said it is never wise Thurs underestimate the power of these extreme weather conditions. They added, the best thing to do is to be prepared for the worst.

Robinson said on a day like today, travel is not a good idea unless absolutely necessary.

"If you plan on going anywhere, put some supplies in your vehicles," said Robinson. "This includes blankets and water, and a cellphone charger. You never know how long you might get stuck on the side of the road.

In the event that travel becomes a must, Robinson said it is also a good idea to Thurs consider whether or not an entire family needs to go on a particular trip.

Stocking up on essential items like ready-to-eat food and water at home is also a good idea, said Robinson. In the event of a power outage, these items could prove vital.

During harsh winter weather conditions like those today, blanketing Mahaska County, city-owned snow plows are often a saving grace. In Oskaloosa, six of these plows are typically put to work days are like this.

Oskaloosa Public Works Director Akhilesh Pal said street department employees are well-versed in dealing with multiple-inches of snow.

"This is new to me," said Pal. "But our staff is very experienced."

Pal said plows typically begin clearing the streets during an overnight snow storm at 3 am However, if the situation warrants it, they will begin plowing much earlier. Oskaloosa Police said they will notify his department when such a situation arises.

Oskaloosa Police Chief John "Jake" McGee said the accumulating snow fall today Will Likely warrant a snow emergency. This will enact the city's snow ordinance, he said.