By Sam Parsons
A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect for our area this weekend.
The National Weather Service in Des Moines issued the warning for much of central Iowa. It will be in effect from 6pm this evening until 6am on Sunday morning.
Officials say that heavy snow is expected during this time. Total snow accumulations could range from 8-13 inches. Travel will be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions will impact post-Thanksgiving travel.
Persons should delay all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution and be prepared for sudden changes in visibility. Leave plenty of room between you and the motorist ahead of you, and allow extra time to reach your destination. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and be especially cautious on hills or when making turns. Make sure your car is winterized and in good working order.
As a result of the incoming winter weather, the following cities have issued emergency snow ordinances:
Oskaloosa
A Snow Emergency and Parking Ban is declared for the City of Oskaloosa beginning at 8:00 PM Friday, November 28, 2025, and continuing until further notice. Parking will prohibited on public streets while it remains in place. The parking ban will be lifted once the snow has stopped, and streets have been cleared by city crews. City parking lots may be utilized during this time. Vehicles parked on city streets during this time will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner’s expense. Emergency snow routes are designated by signs with a white snowflake on a blue field and will be given top priority in clearing accumulated snow.
Ottumwa
The City of Ottumwa’s Snow Emergency Ordinance will be placed into effect beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29. Another notice will be given when the snow emergency has lifted. With the Snow Emergency Ordinance in effect, parking is prohibited on either side of roads designated as snow routes. These can be identified with a small blue sign with a white snowflake. On other roads, parking is allowed on the even side of the street during even days of the month and the odd side of the street during odd days of the month. Drivers can begin moving vehicles after 7:00 p.m. in preparation for the next day.
Knoxville
The city of Knoxville’s Snow Ordinance will go into effect at 5pm on Saturday, November 29th. Parking on city streets will not be allowed while the snow ordinance is in effect.
Sigourney
The city of Sigourney has a Snow Emergency declared effective at 8pm on Friday, November 28th, until 8pm on Sunday, November 30th. This means that no vehicles are to be parked on city streets during this time. Please find alternate parking or contact your landlord, if applicable. If your vehicle remains parked on a street, it may be ticketed and/or towed.
New Sharon
The New Sharon Emergency Snow Ordinance will be in effect from Saturday, November 29th beginning at 12:00 noon until the snow is finished and the streets are cleared on Sunday afternoon. Please do not park on city streets. Parking is available in the 100 block of W High St at the City Park Building as well as the city parking lot in the 100 block of E Maple St. Violators will be ticketed with a $50.00 parking ticket.
