OTTUMWA —
Winter weather is waiting around the corner, and Ottumwans are already preparing for the impact on county and city residents.
Wapello County Engineer Brian Moore said Friday morning that the weekend forecast wouldn’t amount to much.
“If need be, we’re good to go with the supplies that we have,” he said. “We’re getting by on leftovers now, and that’s a cost savings.”
Moore also said the trucks have had routine maintenance and the workers have put the blades on the plows.
“We’re checking all of our equipment so we’re ready if [winter weather] does arrive this weekend,” he added.
City employees are also mostly prepared for any winter weather, according to Tom Rodgers, the city’s public information officer.
“We have our appropriate supplies of salt and sand after a good winter last year,” he added.
Rodgers also noted last year’s winter only took about one-third of the city’s supply. Another mild winter would certainly help budgets at the city and county levels.
“But we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.
Rodgers said Ottumwa has about 170 miles of streets in the community, which includes residential, business and industry.
“Keep Ottumwa moving. That’s our priority,” he added.
At the National Weather Service in Des Moines, officials predicted a mix of rain and snow.
“... Saturday night, the conditions should be mostly cloudy with 40 degrees and a 70 percent chance of rain,” said NWS Meteorologist Brad Fillbach.
By Sunday, the weather could offer a mix of rain and snow.
“If your area gets any snow, it’ll be minimal at best,” Fillbach said. “You guys are too far south.”
The winter storm watches are for the Minneapolis area, and any snow southern Iowa might receive could arrive on Sunday, but “chances are minimal,” he said.
Once the weekend passes, temperatures in southern Iowa will get cooler.
“On Monday, the temperatures will be in the mid-20s or mid-teens,” Fillbach said. “But, Tuesday could offer temps in the mid-30s, low 40s.”
Local News
Related Photos
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Doug McCarroll of the Wapello County Secondary Roads Department finished checking his snowplow Friday morning and headed out of the county garage to test his adjustments. The equipment could be needed for clearing county roads of any snow or slick spots during the coming weekend. Cindy Toopes/The Courier
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