School Closings, Parking Bans, Icy Roads: Des Moines-Area Weather

DES MOINES, IA — Dozens of metro-area schools have canceled classes today due to icy road conditions, strong winds and dangerously low wind chills. In addition, several cities have enacted parking bans as crews work to treat the roads.

Cancellations: Among the districts that have canceled classes are: Ankeny, Dallas Center-Grimes, Des Moines, Johnston, Saydel, Southeast Polk, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines. Find a full list of area closings on KCCI.com.

Parking Bans: Des Moines enacted its emergency parking ban on city streets until further notice. Violators are subject to a $35 fine and/or towing of their vehicle. Parking bans also are in effect in Johnston, Waukee and West Des Moines.

Weather Forecast: The National Weather Service says patchy, blowing snow will continue throughout the day with snow accumulations of 2 to 4 inches, though most of that likely will fall north and west of the metro area. The temperature is expected to fall to 11 degrees by 4 p.m., with a wind chill as low as -10. North northwest winds will be in the 17 to 23 mph range, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

Power outages: MidAmerican Energy reports that 4,000 customers are without power this morning in the metro area and the bulk of those are affected by outages near 63rd Street and Grand Avenue on the edge of Des Moines and West Des Moines and in the South of Grand neighborhood in Des Moines. Follow updated outage information here.

Gradual clearing is expected tonight, with a low around -1 and wind chills as low as -15. Blustery conditions will continue through the evening, with winds continuing at 11 to 18 mph and gusts up to 30 mph.

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