“We’re scheduled and ready to roll,” said City of Fort Dodge Public Works Director Brett Daniel of the city’s snow plows. “We have staff scheduled from 7 p.m. Friday night into 11 p.m. on Saturday. More than likely this will run into Sunday cleanup as well. With 12 to 14 inches of snow, which is what’s currently forecast, it’s going to be a long weekend.”

The National Weather Service placed most of Iowa in a winter storm warning Thursday afternoon into the weekend, just as many are on the roads heading home from Thanksgiving celebrations.

“If you don’t need to travel, please stay home,” said Webster County Sheriff Luke Fleener. “If you become stranded, be prepared to stay with your vehicle for an extended period of time as we may not be able to get to you.”

Locally, snow routes will go into effect as soon as 2 inches of snow has fallen. Daniel encouraged drivers to get their cars off the roads as soon as possible.

-Messenger file photo City of Fort Dodge plows line up ready to be called into action for the snow storm poised to hit the area in January 2024.

“We’ll start with snow routes and try to maintain them, as well as hills and bridges,” said Daniel. “Then as the storm allows us, we’ll pull into residentials. Please be patient and safe. Stay put if you’re able to do so.”

City alerts about snow routes are available by signing up for free TextMyGov alerts at 515-408-9888.