MUSCATINE, Iowa – The City of Muscatine officially received 1.8 inches of snow Monday night with some areas reporting over two inches, and this was from the weaker of two storms that will impact the area this week. The stronger second storm is anticipated to move through Wednesday and Thursday with the current forecast predicting five to eight inches of accumulation.
Based on the forecast, the Department of Public Works geared up Tuesday (Oct. 29) for the unusually early winter weather, putting plows on the trucks, installing the salt and sand spreaders, and making sure staff and equipment are ready to battle the elements.
“Hopefully they will not be needed but you have to be ready just in case,” Brian Stineman, Public Works Director, said.
Even though it is early, this is a good opportunity for area residents to remind themselves of the City of Muscatine Snow and Ice Control Policy (READ HERE) and the City of Muscatine Code on Snow Emergency (READ HERE).
WINTER WONDERLAND … AT LEAST BRIEFLY
The early snowfall did provide Muscatine and area residents with a beautiful winter wonderland this morning, but warmer temperatures in the afternoon soon melted most of the snowfall away.
“TRICK OR TREAT” STILL ON FOR THURSDAY
No matter how much snow accumulates Wednesday night into Thursday, “trick or treating” hours in Muscatine will not change (5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31). Parents and children are reminded to follow safety rules (See October 24 press release) when visiting neighborhoods or attending indoor “trick or treating” activities.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER REMAINS ABOVE FLOOD STAGE
The Mississippi River remains steady at 16.6 feet and is not expected to dip below flood stage until at least Monday (Nov. 4). After spending 99 days above flood stage earlier this year, the Mississippi River has again been above flood stage this time for the past 25 days (since Oct. 3). The river’s last crest came on Oct. 15 at 18.83 feet.