Don't say I didn't warn you--bad weather on the way for the upper midwest

[threecrazykids]

Ok, so how are things in Iowa today (NE mostly)? Ok, I will let you get up and have your coffee before you run out and check the roads for us.

Roads are fine right now, no road warnings etc. Everything is just wet now. Northeast Iowa around Decorah is a little more icy. It's not suppose to freeze until after 6pm tonight (that's what the local news channel just reported) so it sounds like late tonight it might get a bit more sketchy. It doesn't sound like the snow is the big issue right now, more or less the rain/sleet turning to sheets of ice.

BTW...I'm about 10 miles north of Cedar Rapids...so that's the report from where I'm at.

 

[hercamore]

I just read freezing drizzle forecasted to begin in the Rochester area early aft.

Now I don't know if that's precip is coming from the west or south.

Good luck.

I think we're cancelling all our travel plans. I don't know if SIL left Rapid City today or not. I hope not.

herc.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I wasn't too worried about the Missouri part of the trip when the high is supposed to be 50 there today. If it wasn't raining there I would have considered bringing the golf clubs along . Now, to get through Iowa??

If you bring your golf clubs, I also suggest packing some wading boots, an umbrella, rain jacket, winter coat, a lightening rod and some snow boots, hat & gloves.

On a serious note, I would go to Radio Shack and get a weather radio, bring a shovel, jumper cables, and other emergency gear like blankets. Good Luck to you.

 

[golfgal]

Roads are fine right now, no road warnings etc. Everything is just wet now. Northeast Iowa around Decorah is a little more icy. It's not suppose to freeze until after 6pm tonight (that's what the local news channel just reported) so it sounds like late tonight it might get a bit more sketchy. It doesn't sound like the snow is the big issue right now, more or less the rain/sleet turning to sheets of ice.

BTW...I'm about 10 miles north of Cedar Rapids...so that's the report from where I'm at.

THANK YOU!!! The Iowa road information site says that the roads are "partially covered" with slush, whatever that means . I figured it was just normal winter snow stuff. I don't worry about that--freezing rain and ice is another story. We should be to Cedar Rapids by 5 or so tonight and then I think we won't have to worry about bad roads from what the storm path looks like.

 

[threecrazykids]

THANK YOU!!! The Iowa road information site says that the roads are "partially covered" with slush, whatever that means . I figured it was just normal winter snow stuff. I don't worry about that--freezing rain and ice is another story. We should be to Cedar Rapids by 5 or so tonight and then I think we won't have to worry about bad roads from what the storm path looks like.

You should be (for the most part) in the clear I think. Honestly, the way I look at it, there is going to probably be MORE people heading out today to try to beat the storm which should help keep the roads in better condition. The more traffic on them the less likely they are to develop ice and crud.

Have a safe trip!

 

[golfgal]

You should be (for the most part) in the clear I think. Honestly, the way I look at it, there is going to probably be MORE people heading out today to try to beat the storm which should help keep the roads in better condition. The more traffic on them the less likely they are to develop ice and crud.

Have a safe trip!

So far the roads look good except one spot-but none of the roads around it are bad so I wonder if it just needs updating--but the whole Iowa road site hasn't been updated since 9:30 this morning . Maybe when there is bad weather the could do that more often don't you think??

 

[elgerber]

So far the roads look good except one spot-but none of the roads around it are bad so I wonder if it just needs updating--but the whole Iowa road site hasn't been updated since 9:30 this morning . Maybe when there is bad weather the could do that more often don't you think??

That isn't nice of them! Don't they know people are traveling today?

Roads by Windom are only fair today, can't wait to see what they say tomorrow night.

 

[golfgal]

That isn't nice of them! Don't they know people are traveling today?

Roads by Windom are only fair today, can't wait to see what they say tomorrow night.

There is a big accident just outside of Mankato on Hwy 22-the road is closed--it said something about car vs utility pole--ouch. It is about 30 here right now so I think we are ok to go. The kids should be home from school any minute. If it is too bad, we just turn around and go home.

 

[elgerber]

There is a big accident just outside of Mankato on Hwy 22-the road is closed--it said something about car vs utility pole--ouch. It is about 30 here right now so I think we are ok to go. The kids should be home from school any minute. If it is too bad, we just turn around and go home.

Yeah, I think you will be fine leaving this afternoon. We on the other hand, are driving Friday... or not .

 

[MnMomtoboys]

Were planning on finishing our shopping tonight. Have to do it tonight so I hope the weather holds out for awhile. Planning on avoiding the freeways as much as possible. It would of been so much better if it was next week but oh well not much can be done about it.

 

[Minnesota!]

Not going anywhere, but my BFF is coming up from New Ulm. Anyone that way - anything going on right now? She won't be leaving until tomorrow AM or late (11ish) tonight...

 

[threecrazykids]

Ok as of this moment we have rain/sleet coming down in the Cedar Rapids area. My hubby called me from work and said he went out over lunch and it was getting pretty slick on the side roads or "in town" roads. The main roads still seem to be ok...maybe moving a bit slower, but still ok.

 

[DWGal210]

Just in case anyone is interested in the Iowa road conditions, here is a link below:

http://511ia.org/roadconditions.asp

It looks like it was just updated about a 1/2 hour ago.

So far, it's OK - it looks like the slickness is on the side roads, but the main roads are doing OK so far.

Just be careful, everyone! And I am sorry if you're behind me as I leave work today, I'll be the gal going about 15 MPH.

 

[golfgal]

Well we made it. We left about 12:45, took the normal 8 hours to get here. The roads were fine other than about a 20 mile stretch in northern Iowa where there was some drifting but that wasn't even bad. It rained a good portion of the way from central Iowa all the way here. It was 54 degrees when we got here last night. It was really nice out. It was about 33 degrees all through Iowa so had we left any later the roads would have been much worse. Safe travels to everyone!

 

[MerMom60_94]

I'm glad you made it safe to your destination. Merry Christmas, Golfgal!

 

[elgerber]

Well we made it. We left about 12:45, took the normal 8 hours to get here. The roads were fine other than about a 20 mile stretch in northern Iowa where there was some drifting but that wasn't even bad. It rained a good portion of the way from central Iowa all the way here. It was 54 degrees when we got here last night. It was really nice out. It was about 33 degrees all through Iowa so had we left any later the roads would have been much worse. Safe travels to everyone!

Glad you made it safe and sound!!! It is NOT pleasant here today!!!

 

[golfgal]

Glad you made it safe and sound!!! It is NOT pleasant here today!!!

I was just looking at the weather site and it looks like we have 8.5" at our house already and more on the way. It was in the 50's here and raining. It is supposed to turn to snow here so hopefully we will wake up with a little snow.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Here in Milwaukee, there is sleet falling right now. YUCK

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I was just looking at the weather site and it looks like we have 8.5" at our house already and more on the way. It was in the 50's here and raining. It is supposed to turn to snow here so hopefully we will wake up with a little snow.

Glad you made it. Yea...bye bye 50's and hello 12 wind chill. At least we are getting a dusting where we are at. Is it snowing where you are?

 

[elgerber]

Still snowing this morning, and I am safely snug at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfortunately they think they can brave the roads and drive from Windom to here, so I will end up with dinner guests and no food to feed them, but oh well.

Hoping to get in Sherlock Holmes before they get here though.