Snow Storm Draco: Waukee Parking Ban Starts Tonight; Garbage Pickup Delayed; Will Schools be Closed?

As winter storm Draco -- as in Malfoy of "Harry Potter" fame? -- moves closer to the metro, Waukee officials have announced that the city's emergency parking ban for snow removal will go into effect at 6 tonight.

According to the city's website, if an inch or more of snow is forecast, Waukee's snow ordinance takes effect. That means all vehicles must be off city streets by 6 p.m. Wednesday and stay off until the ban is lifted. And that depends on how long the snow and winds last.

Draco could cause school closings and power outages. Patch will provide breaking news alerts on this storm -- including closures and other information -- by email, which can reach your smart phone. You can sign up by clicking here.

Also, because of inclement weather forecast, garbage pickup in Waukee will be delayed until Friday, Dec. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 22.

Waukee should get much more than an inch of snow. The National Weather Service has upgraded snow storm Draco to a blizzard warning for much of Iowa.

The warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Wednesday to noon Thursday.

According to the Waukee forecast, this "dangerous winter storm" could dump more than a foot of snow on our area by Thursday afternoon.

Will There Be School Thursday?

Every kid wants to know if classes will be held Thursday if the blizzard hits as forecast.

District communictions coordinator Nicole Lawrence says families are notified through a system called SchoolMessenger, which sends parents notices of delays in start times or cancellations through voice, SMS text, email and social media.

According to the district website, SchoolMessenger fully integrates with PowerSchool, so there is no list for parents to sign up for, however, in order for parents to receive an SMS text parents must complete the “opt-in” process online.

School officials' goal is to decide on delays or cancellations by 5 a.m., Lawrence said.

And if classes are called off Thursday, all Waukee High School final exams will be given on Friday to wrap up the semester, she said.

Travel

The Iowa Department of Transportation is advising against travel after 8 p.m. tonight.

If you absolutely must travel, do so at your own risk. Iowa road conditions can be found on the DOT's website.

Snow Ordinance Details

The city says: "Every attempt is made to get our streets clear of snow as quickly and safely as possible after a snow storm. Please give consideration to moving your vehicle off the street prior to retiring for the evening or departing for work in the morning when snow is forecast."

The ordinance is announced on all three Des Moines television stations, Waukee cable channel 7 and many metro radio stations.

Residents who are issued a citation for violating the ordinance will be fined $25 and your vehicle could be impounded.

For more details, call the Waukee Police Department administrative office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays at 987-1073.