Snow already?

It’s October and snow has already fallen twice in Jasper County.

Residents woke up the morning of Sunday, Oct. 18 to a light blanket of snow on houses and lawns from an overnight wintry mix. The National Weather Service reported only .4 inches of snow fell but it is rather early in the season to see this kind of precipitation.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office reported six weather-related accidents Sunday, mainly on Interstate 80 and Highway 163. Road conditions became slippery as the wintry mix fell causing motorist to leave the roadway.

While Sunday’s blanket of white quickly disappeared from sight, another snow system rolled through the area, bringing much larger snow totals through areas of Central Iowa.

In true 2020 fashion, the NWS issued its first snow squall warning around 11:40 a.m. Monday, Oct. 19. A spokesperson for the NWS in Des Moines said they started to use the warning last year but this was the first one issued for Jasper County and other counties in Central Iowa.

The warning is issued when there is predicted to be “very intense snowfall and/or winds of 40 mph or more that can create life-threatening travel conditions,” according to the NWS.

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said his office responded to two weather-related accidents Monday and the Iowa State Patrol handled one car in the ditch on Interstate 80. No serious injuries were reported.

As snow tapered off in the early afternoon Monday, snow totals near Newton were reported at 3.4 inches. The NWS spokesman couldn’t confirm if this was the earliest snowfall on record for Newton but “definitely the heaviest this early in the season by far.”

Halferty also believes this could be the earliest snowfall in the county.

“I don’t recall ever having snow this early and in that amount,” he said.

Every year as snow returns to the forecast, it is an excellent chance to remind motorists to be safe on the roads while traveling during a snow event. It is best to be prepared if snow is possible before leaving for any destination. If possible, it’s best to avoid or delay travel in snowy conditions.

If travel is a must, drivers should be sure to allow plenty of time and travel at a slower rate of speed according to the current conditions. They should have items in the car that would be helpful should they be stopped or get into an accident while it’s snowing.

Halferty said starting the trip with an adequate amount of fuel is a good way to be prepared for all situations. Also people should have warm gear in the car, especially for children in the event the car is disabled and not able to use the heater. People should bring food and drinks and an emergency light source at minimum within your vehicle.

Halferty cautions people not to leave your vehicle unless it is safe to do so, especially on larger more traveled roadways. Also, having a cellphone with a full battery and listening to a reliable weather source will help travelers be prepared.

While snow can make roads slippery for travel, it can affect visibility as well, creating an even more dangerous driving situations.

“Remember during inclement weather, it is even more difficult for other motorists to see you and others. Utilize your headlights to help them see you,” Halferty said.

Motorists should always drive according to the conditions. Comfortable and defensive driving is the best way to avoid an accident.

“Just because others are traveling at higher speeds, don’t feel obligated to do so — it’s not a competition,” Halferty said. “Vehicles do not stop quickly enough as anticipated and a driver can lose control easily.”

If an accident does occur, people should stay in their vehicles and contact help. Leaving the vehicle puts a person a greater risk as traffic continues on that road. If a driver must leave the vehicle, go to a safer area in the ditch or median and always look out for other vehicles.

“If you had an accident in that spot, it is likely others will have the same issue,” Halferty said.

With more precipitation in the forecast and colder than usual temperatures on the horizon, residents need to be prepared for all driving situations. Driving in winter weather conditions is nothing new in Iowa, but a little reminder can help people travel safer and avoid dangerous situations.

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com