With snow coming, Des Moines-area cities ask residents to clear streets of parked cars

Spring is just out of reach for Iowans as the state buckles down for another snow storm set to begin Wednesday night and last through Thursday.

The National Weather Service is predicting up to six inches of snow in communities across Polk, Dallas and Story counties. Mixed precipitation is possible, with snow accumulations of 4 to 6 inches. Winds could gust as high as 35 miles per hour.

The winter weather advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday.

From Tuesday:Winter storm expected to hit parts of south central Iowa Wednesday night

Counties south of the Des Moines metro are under a winter storm warning from 9 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Thursday. They could see 5 to 7 inches of snow with "brisk north winds" that could lead to drifting.

Counties under a warning include: Poweshiek, Cass, Adair, Madison, Warren, Marion, Mahaska, Adams, Union, Clarke, Lucas, Monroe, Wapello, Taylor, Ringgold, Decatur, Wayne, Appanoose and Davis.

Residents should expect hazardous conditions causing slippery roads and blowing snow that significantly reduces visibility, particularly during the Thursday morning commute.

Des Moines-area cities are preparing for the storm with snow ordinances in effect.

Altoona, 8 p.m. Wednesday

The city of Altoona's snow ordinance will go into effect at 8 p.m. Wednesday night, according to the city's Police Department.

The department asked residents to move their vehicles off of the streets to prepare for the storm. The department also lightheartedly told residents to stay tuned for updated information.

"Could be school, could be no school...Could be snow, could not be snow," they wrote on Facebook.

Ames, 10 p.m. Wednesday

The snow ordinance in Ames will go into effect at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a city news release.

"Snow routes are marked by red and white signs. Vehicles must be moved to off-street parking or to streets that are not designated snow routes," the release said.

The snow ordinance will remain in effect until all the streets are completely plowed and the snow has stopped. The city estimates this will be around 10 p.m. Thursday.

Cars on snow routes must be removed from the street to allow the roads to be plowed, however the city also is asking residents to remove all parked cars on residential streets.

Johnston, 11 p.m. Wednesday

No parking is allowed on city streets when the snow ordinance is in effect. Vehicles parked on the street during a snow ordinance could be ticketed $25 and may be towed.

Bondurant, 6 a.m. Thursday

The city of Bondurant's snow ordinance will go into effect 6 a.m. Thursday. The city is predicting it will receive between two and six inches of snow beginning early Thursday, according to a city news release.

"This storm will begin in the overnight hours tonight, and the heaviest snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour will occur during the morning commute times from 7 to 10 am, which will make travel conditions very treacherous Thursday morning," according to the release.

Des Moines, During the storm

The city of Des Moines is advising residents to stay off the roads as the city's Public Works Department prepares for heavy snowfall and strong winds overnight and throughout Thursday.

“We’ll have crews from Public Works, Parks and Recreation and the WRA out on the roads,” said Deputy Public Works Director Adam Smith. “It’s important that we give these folks plenty of space on the roads as they clear our streets. They’re operating large equipment in the same weather as you but with more blind spots.”

Due to rain, the city was unable to "pretreat routes" with an anti-icing agent, according to a news release. However, the release stated "salt spreaders are loaded and ready to address any icy spots on City streets throughout this winter weather."

The city is requesting residents remove their vehicles from snow routes during and after the storm "to allow plows full clearance during snow removal."

Grimes, 6 a.m. Thursday

The snow ordinance in Grimes will be in effect from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday.

No parked cars are allowed on city streets while the ordinance is in effect. The city said the ordinance may be extended "depending on weather conditions."

"When the City of Grimes issues a snow ordinance, we ask everyone to not park on city streets to make it easier and faster for snowplows to clear the roads. City of Grimes snowplows have a front plow and a wing plow. When there is a vehicle on the street, the plow driver has to take the time to raise the wing plow in order to navigate around the vehicle. Then they lower the wing plow when they have passed the vehicle. This process slows them down significantly, which means it takes longer for them to clear all the roads. Plows usually come down the street more than once during the snow ordinance so it’s important to not park your car on the road during the whole time listed in the snow ordinance," the city wrote in a news release.

Urbandale, 11:59 p.m. Wednesday

A snow ordinance will go into effect in Urbandale at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

During this time, vehicles parked on the street will be subject to a $35 ticket. The parking ban will be in effect until snow is cleared from "curb-to-curb" and snow has stopped, according to the city.

Waukee, 10 p.m. Wednesday

A snow emergency parking ban will be in effect in Waukee from 10 p.m. Wednesday to 5 p.m. Thursday, according to a city news release.

Cars parked on any street in the city will be subject to a $25 fine or they may be towed.

West Des Moines, 6 a.m. Thursday

A parking ban for snow removal will go into effect in West Des Moines at 6 a.m. Thursday and last until Friday at 5p.m., according to Bret Hodne, the Director of the city's Department of Public Services.

An emergency parking ban will also be in effect on all streets. Those found in violation are subject to a $50 fine and their car may be towed.

Windsor Heights, During the storm

The city of Windsor Heights is asking residents not to park in the street within 24 hours of snowfall. They are also requesting that residents clear their sidewalks of snow within 48 hours of snowfall ending.

"Public Works will be hard at work keeping our streets clean and clear, but we need your help. Please remember to either park off the street or move our car off the street this evening to allow for proper snowplowing," the city wrote in a news release.

Francesca Block is a breaking news reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at FBlock@registermedia.com or on Twitter at@francescablock3.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Snow ordinances going into effect in Polk, Dallas, Story county cities