Jasper County and the rest of Iowa get snowed in after weekend storm

All of Iowa was affected by heavy snowstorms last weekend, including Newton and Jasper County. The snow started light on Friday evening, providing holiday events with a festive backdrop. But Saturday and Sunday snowfalls cloaked the region with its first real bout of winter weather, critically impacting travel.

National Weather Service forecasted heavy snowfall, with some areas of the state accumulating more than a foot. Travel would be difficult to impossible, they said, throughout the day and into the night. Wind gusts increased around the evening, which would only exacerbate and prolong travel impacts into Sunday.

By around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jasper County Emergency Management Agency warned that road conditions were continuing to deteriorate and would only get worse as the day went on. Towing was not recommended at that time. Travel was not advised. Jasper County EMA said it was best to stay home and stay safe.

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office initiated a tow ban later that evening, reminding people to pack an emergency travel kit if individuals need to travel. If a person were to end up in a ditch, the sheriff’s office recommended people keep their tailpipe clear of snow and remain patient until help can arrive.

The secondary roads department for Jasper County announced that snowplows were on the roads by 4:30 a.m. Saturday, continuing operations for the next 12 hours. The City of Newton announced its snow ordinance was in effect just before noon Saturday, meaning no street parking would be allowed.

Newton Fire Department issued warnings of the upcoming snowstorm as early as Tuesday, Nov. 25, saying that forecasters were confident snow would most definitely develop. However, the exact amounts and locations were not entirely certain at that time. Shortly after, forecasters expected up to eight or nine inches.

Of course, those anticipated totals would grow with each day. Newton would go on to accumulate around 8.5 inches. Fort Dodge recorded a whopping 15 inches.

The fire department also warned of much colder air arriving Sunday and lasting into the week. They said wind chills would drop below zero at times, and that limiting time outside, dressing in thick layers and making sure pets had warm shelter was advised.