Winter Storm Update: All West Des Moines Schools Closed, Storm Makes for Nasty Commute

All West Des Moines schools, both private and parcochial, are closed today due to the winter storm.

The schools include West Des Moines Community Schools, Dowling Catholic High School, Iowa Christian Academy, Sacred Heart School and St. Francis of Assisi, according to WHO-TV.

Earlier, Patch reported:

West Des Moines Public Works crews pre-treated city streets in preparation for the expected winter storm that public works officials across the metro said could mirror December’s winter storm Draco, when road crews battled conditions that bonded snow to streets like cement, creating blocks of ice that were difficult to plow.

Public Works Director Bret Hodne told the Des Moines Register that he sent some of his staff home early Tuesday so they could report back to work and begin clearing the city’s 75 lane miles overnight. Arterial streets get first priority.

We’ll keep you updated throughout the day with storm-related news, closures and cancellations. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. Download the mobile app for your iPhone or Android.

If you need to go outside, bundle up. The National Weather Service says wind chill values as low as 5 are in the forecast today. Snow should end around 9 a.m., but areas of blowing snow could make travel difficult until noon.

Here are some other things you need to know:

How do I know when a snow parking ban is in effect in West Des Moines? The city announces on its website when the emergency snow parking ban is in effect. While you’re there, sign up to have a plethora of city-related notifications emailed to your inbox. We’ll also pass along weather-related notices from the city on West Des Moines Patch and through social media. Follow us on Twitter and “like” us on Facebook.

How long do I have to shovel my sidewalks? All sidewalks adjacent to private property are the responsibility of the property owner. Property owners are given 24 hours after the end of a storm to do this. All complaint calls about private sidewalks not being shoveled that are received after the 24-hour period should be made to the Police Department Code Enforcement office at 222-3304. Specific answers to snow and ice removal questions are found on the Public Works Department’s website. To report specific problems, use the city’s online service desk or call (515) 222-3480.

Getting Around Town: City crews are responsible for clearing more than 700 lane miles. As a matter of policy, West Des Moines aims to have arterial streets cleared by 4 a.m. in most storms; however, depending upon the severity of the storm, deviations may occur. All remaining streets and cul-de-sacs are the second priority, and alleys and parking lots are cleared last.

Getting Out of Town: Travel 511, a website hosted by the Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol, provides real-time updates of travel conditions around the state. Content includes links to mobile phone apps also providing real-time updates, Twitter feeds and other helpful information.

Getting the Patch App: In a blizzard or wet, heavy snow, don’t trust your connection to Patch to a vulnerable power line. Download the mobile app for your iPhone or Android.

How do I report a power outage? Either establish an account at MidAmerican Energy Co., where you’ll be able to search for outages by city or county, or simply report an outage by phone: (800) 799-4443.

RELATED:
Winter Weather Alert: City of West Des Moines Puts Snow Parking Ban into Effect

If you must be out in the elements, Be Ready Iowa provides this guide to understanding some of the risks of exposure:

• Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can be permanently damaging. Symptoms include: loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and earlobes.
• Hypothermia can be brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90°F. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.
• If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person’s trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.
• Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine or alcohol in it.Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart. Both can hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.