Winter Storm Q Passes Ames

UPDATED 9:14 a.m. Feb. 22

Residents woke up to at least three inches of snow Friday, after Winter Storm Q passed through the area.

A light snowfall began just before 5 p.m. Thursday in Ames. The snow became heavier overnight and was expected to stop before noon.

Ames schools chose to delay classes Friday. The district has had three snow days so far --- Dec. 20, Dec. 21 and Jan. 30 --- pushing the last day of school to June 4. The last day of classes were originally scheduled for May 30.

Kathy Hanson, Director School Community and Media Relations, said the district didn't want to add any more days to the year. The district announced an early dismissal at 10 a.m. Thursday and a delay Friday morning.

Remember the City of Ames places its snow ordinance into effect anytime 2 inches of snow accumulates on streets so no one should park on emergency snow routes and everyone should park off the street if possible to assist in snow plowing efforts.

The City of Ames  snow ordinance remains in effect.

Weather.com is calling this storm, Storm Q. It's already brought snow to places such as Arizona and Kansas. Oklahoma reported three inches Wednesday afternoon, according to a photo blog on the Weather.com site. And California has seen both snow and hail. Watch the Weather.com map widget.

The National Weather Service said precautionary and preparedness actions include preparing for dangerous travel situations. People who must travel should keep extra flashlights, food and water in their vehicles. 

KCCI reported that Ames hotels and motels were full Thursday thanks to a Miranda Lambert concert at the Hilton Coliseum. Many of the travelers didn't want to risk driving home in the snow.

Ames Newsletter/Ames Patch Facebook page/Twitter: @AmesPatch