Blizzard Attack: 3rd update

Traffic's Slowing Down
Your third weather update from Dim Bulb!

You continue driving, but you can tell you are going to be late arriving in Iowa City . The trip has been a long one, even for a spry grandmother like yourself. Your 4x4 is performing at its best, but you are getting a little tired from all of the extra concentration it takes to navigate safely through a winter storm. You recall that even in your youth, snow and winter weather can tire out a driver.

You are determined, however, to get to Iowa City . Since you know that

you'll be a bit later than 5 p.m., you call James from your cell phone and let him know about your current situation and location. He understands and is still eager to see you tonight, though it will be later than 5 p.m.

A quick check of the highway signs, and you notice that Cedar Rapids is just ahead. You have now traveled about 100 miles of your total journey. It feels like you've traveled closer to 200!

Dim Bulb Update
As your thoughts refocus on the weather, you hear a voice puncture the airwaves. It's your constant companion for the whole trip, none other than Dim Bulb from KDUH:

"Hey Hey, this is Dim Bulb from KDUH with the latest on this afternoon's weather. It's now 3:30 p.m. on this miserable day! We continue to monitor the weather here at the home of Power Rock and Roll, KDUH. What a nasty day this is turning out to be!

"The weather has really slowed things down this afternoon. Accidents, mostly minor, are being reported around the area.

"There's been a change in the forecast for this afternoon! Here's the latest from the National Weather Service: A Blizzard Warning is now in effect for most of the area just west of here. It's in effect for the remainder of this afternoon and tonight! Travel is not recommended in that area! That area is being hit with heavy snow, strong winds, and bitter-cold temperatures!

"In our area, things are getting bad too. Charles City now has 4 inches of snow! Waterloo has picked up 3 inches in the past hour!   For now, a Winter Weather Advisory is still in effect north of Cedar Rapids! South of Cedar Rapids, a Freezing Rain Advisory remains in effect!

"This storm, however, has been changing quickly...I wouldn't be surprised if the forecasters have to change those official warnings.   Remember, to be called a blizzard, the winds have to be blowing 35 mph or greater and visibility reduced to less than 1/4 mile with snow and blowing snow. That's what's happening just west of us.

"Right now, radar shows a large area of moderate to heavy snow in that area west of us. Some thundersnow has also been reported at times! Snow is falling at the rate of 2 to 4 inches per hour where thundersnow is occurring.

"In our area, the leading edge has already moved in to our area. In Center Point and Cedar Rapids, this stuff is falling as snow, sleet, and some freezing rain. The mix is a little different from south of Cedar Rapids through Iowa City , where light freezing rain is mixing in with heavy, wet snow.

Road Conditions
"Here's a check on the road conditions. It's worse to the west of us, where the blizzard is hitting hard. Many roads there are shutting down because of drifting snow.   Roads west of us are reported 100% snow and ice covered.

"In our area, roads are now 100% snow covered north of Center Point and 25 to 50% snow and ice covered between Center Point and Iowa City . It looks like things will only get worse over the next few hours.

"Here at the KDUH studios we have 31 degrees with moderate to heavy snow now beginning to fall. Winds are coming from the northwest and are gusting over 30 mph! It's starting to look like a blizzard here, too! But, folks, don't worry! We are only under a Winter Weather Advisory.

"Road conditions continue to deteriorate, so please drive carefully! Keep it here to KDUH for the latest on this ever-changing winter weather situation!

"I'm Dim Bulb for KDUH. Now back to some more Power Rock and Roll, here on the home of Power Rock and Roll, KDUH!"

Make your choice!

weatherpad computer

Weather update from the WeatherPad.
Continue on with the trip.
No need to check the WeatherPad, I'll stop now!

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