Blizzard conditions swept through the Midwest overnight, bringing snow and extreme winds gusting up to 50 miles per hour. The strong winds created blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility to near zero at times. According to the National Weather Service, Snow and strong northwest winds will diminish from west to east this morning. However, winds will remain high enough to continue blowing and drifting newly fallen snow through the afternoon hours, especially in open and rural areas. The blizzard warning remains in effect until 10 am this morning.
Temperatures remain dangerously cold this morning, with wind chills making it feel around seven below zero.
Drivers are urged to use caution if traveling today. Before heading out, check current road conditions at 511ia.org for the latest updates. Some delays have already been reported in the area due to the weather.
Because of the conditions, the Mount Pleasant Rec Center will be closed this morning. They will re-evaluate conditions at 9:00 a.m. and provide an update at that time about a possible opening later today. All morning group exercise classes have been canceled.
The Mount Pleasant Public Library plans to open at 10:00 a.m. this morning. Mount Pleasant Christian School will operate on a two-hour delay.
Many area schools are already on spring break this week, limiting additional schedule changes. These weather-related announcements are brought to you by Main Street Pizza.
On the bright side, this winter storm is being called the black bird storm by area residents who say this is winter’s farewell before turning to spring.