Weather Alert: Waukee Declares Snow Parking Ban as Winter Storm Warning Issued

With an estimated 6 to 9 inches of snow on the way, the City of Waukee will enact a parking ban starting at dawn Thursday to prepare the way for snowplows.

The city's website says an emergency parking ban for snow removal will begin at 6 a.m. Thursday and will remain in effect until noon Saturday, Feb. 23. The parking ban applies to all streets in Waukee.

During an emergency parking ban for snow removal, cars are subject to a $25 fine and/or towing.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines officially upgraded Waukee and other areas of the Des Moines metro to a winter storm warning on Thursday. The warning is in effect from noon Thursday to noon Friday.

Here's a peek at the storm's projected timeline and snowfall totals:

• Snow will develop over central and southern Iowa by mid-afternoon Thursday. The heaviest snowfall will develop quickly once it does and last for about six hours before diminishing somewhat later Thursday night.

• Light snow will persist into Friday before coming to an end later in the day. The snow may also mix with light freezing rain over southeast Iowa Thursday night, and a minor coating of ice on top of the snow is possible.

Parents of kids in the Waukee school district should be sure they've signed up for the district's notification system called SchoolMessenger, which sends notices through voice, SMS text, email and social media.

Those notices include inclement weather, late starts or other emergency situations that may arise during school hours, according to the district's website. If school is let out early Thursday, the announcement would be made on the three Des Moines TV stations and WHO radio, 1040 AM.

Planning to travel? Stay on top of Iowa road conditions.

Here are some things to do to prepare for whatever winter storm Q -- as in the James Bond sidekick? -- throws at us.

Download Apps, Print Off These Tips

Take a moment now to download apps to your phone, bookmark websites like MidAmerican Energy, and print off important information. Keep it somewhere handy, because if your power goes out, you won't be able to use your computer.

Your smart phone can be your ultimate resource if your power goes out or if you're in your car or away from home. Make sure you have a car charger to charge it in case you lose power at home.

If you don't have a smart phone, make sure you have a good battery-operated radio and extra batteries to get information. A weather radio, with a battery back-up, is a good choice and can be purchased for about $30 at Walgreens and other stores. 

• If you have a smart phone, download the Patch app for iPhone and Android. We'll keep you up-to-date with the latest weather news and announcements. You can also follow @Waukee.Patch on Twitter on your phone, computer or mobile device.

• Follow the City of Waukee on Twitter to be notified when the city puts its snow ordinance into effect. (That means you must move any cars off the street while snow plows clear them)  You can also find the information on the city's homepage.

• You can sign up for traffic alerts in the metro area via Twitter or text messages. Or view an Iowa winter-driving conditions map here.

• School cancellations also will be posted on television stations: KCCI (8), WHO (13) and WOI (5); and on radio station WHO 1040-AM.

What can you do to keep you and your family safe and prep your house for winter? Follow these tips from the Polk County Emergency Management office.

Staying Safe in Your Home

There are lots of easy and quick things you can do to make sure your home is prepared for winter weather.

• Make sure your emergency supply kit is stocked and winter storm ready.

• Consider buying rock salt to melt ice on walkways and sand to improve traction.

• Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel in the event regular fuel sources may be cut off.

• Consider purchasing emergency heating equipment and fuel (a gas fireplace, wood burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace) so you can keep at least one room of your house warm enough to be livable.

• Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply. Insulate walls, attics, doors and windows. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.

What You Should Have in Your Home's Emergency Supply Kit

Some of these items you may already have on hand, but others can be relatively inexpensive to purchase.

• One gallon of water per person per day
• Food and manual can opener
• A week’s supply of prescription medication
• Battery powered radio with extra batteries
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• A list of contacts with family members, friends, doctors
• First aid supplies

Supplies You Should Keep in Your Car

Your home isn't the only place you should prepare in the event winter weather leaves you stranded. Your car also should be well-equipped with essential survival items.

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Maps
• First aid kit with pocket knife
• Necessary medications
• Tire repair kit
• Flares
• Several blankets
• Sleeping bags
• Extra newspapers for insulation
• Plastic bags (for sanitation)
• Matches
• Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
• Rain gear and extra clothes
• Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
• Small shovel
• Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
• Booster cables
• Set of tire chains or traction mats
• Cards, games, and puzzles
• Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
• Granola bars, canned fruit and nuts
• Non-electric can opener
• Bottled water