Winter Storm Rocky: Ames Snow Ordinance in Effect at 5 p.m.

The Ames Snow Ordinance is expected to go into effect at 5 p.m. today based on current snowfall.

The ordinance is put in place anytime 2 inches of snow accumulates on the streets. This means that no one should park on emergency snow routes marked with red and white signs. Vehicles left on the street could be ticketed and towed.

People are also asked to remain off other streets to assist in plowing efforts.

Tuesday's snowfall took the area by surprise. Morning forecasts predicted Ames would see less than an inch of snow, but now as much as three inches is expected before nightfall. 

The wet melting slushy snow made some roads nearly impassable before noon Tuesday.