Snow Travel... (Craig: lease, work, schools)

[cyerby]

Hey y'all,
How is travel impacted by snow in the winter out there in Iowa? We get nearly no snow here in SC. A really big storm would drop 10 inches. Whenever they call for snow, there is a mad rush for milk and bread. Why? I have NO idea. Also, it's a given with any threat of snow or ice school is cancelled.

So, what should one expect out in Iowa regarding winter time travel? Should one live close to schools or work so you can walk if need be? I do own a 4-wd pickem up truck, so I'm sure I could make my way around without too much trouble. Just wondering what it's like.

oh, and while we are on the subject of winter in Iowa....what do you think about heat pumps? Seems like you would want to avoid them if the weather can get near zero allot. How do you guys feel about them?

[Tek_Freek]

Well, lemme see here. Heat pumps. No heat to pump when the air is below a certain temperature and in Iowa that's a normal winter for ya'.

Here's a good explanation:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pump

Travel hazards related to weather in the winter really depend on what happens during a storm. For instance we are expecting a storm this weekend that is supposed to start out with fairly heavy rain, change to freezing rain/ice (up 1/2 inch in some areas), then to heavy snow (up to 12" in some areas). Only crazy people go out and drive around in that, even with 4wd.

Normal winters aren't that bad, though. You'll get slowed down some in heavy snow, but once you learn how to drive in it it's no too tough.

[cyerby]

well, looks like you guys got a bad one this week-end. I hope you are all doing fine and have power! I'd be interested to know what the storm was like in your neighborhood. Please post details here.

Thanks!
Craig

[Tek_Freek]

Got 1/4 - 1/2" ice after the rain/sleet was done. Ended up with about 6-8" of snow depending on wind, etc.

We were lucky. We didn't lose power and only (so far) lost one small limb on a Service Berry. Some are still without power and some had damage from falling trees and limbs.

[Lbar]

It was a pretty nasty ice storm. When I went to bed on Saturday, we didnt have power, and when I woke up, we still didnt have power! Luckily we got everything working at around 11 AM. But yeah, just learn to drive in snow, and then you should be good. It is a bit tricky at times, but taking it slowly is my best advice. 4WD helps tremendously too!

[cyerby]

nice pictures tek freek. thanks! I guess the hardest thing about snow/ice in SC is the fact that we get so little we just don't have the equipment to deal with clearing the roads. It takes a LONG time!

[Tek_Freek]

There's another one on the way Wednesday through Thursday. Sounds like it might be a repeat depending on the track of the storm.

60 counties in Eastern Iowa are declared as Disaster Areas. Some are still without power and may not get it back for another week or more.