Winter Weather 101: What to Do When it Snows in Waukee

We've been in denial long enough. Yes, winter is officially here.

And with a few inches of snow already on the ground and more of it inevitably in the forecast, it's high time you learn what to do when winter weather wreaks havoc on your daily routine.

We answered a few of the tough weather-related questions you may have been thinking about and gave you a few other things, like a list of safety tips, as well.

How Do I Know When a Snow Ordinance is in Effect in Waukee?

If an inch or more of snow is forecast, Waukee will implement a snow ordinance (Waukee Municipal Code §502.17).

Residents will find snow ordinance information on television stations KCCI (8), WHO (13), WOI (5), and the Waukee government access channel (Medicom cable channel 7/digital channel 86); on metro area radio stations; and at Waukee Patch and on our Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also take us with you by downloading our mobile app for the iPhone and Android phones.

The Nixle program also allows the Waukee Police Department to instantly connect with residents via text message and e-mail information such as a snow ordinance or other winter weather issues. Click here for free registration for this program.

When Do the Plows Come Out in Waukee?

The city of Waukee makes every attempt to remove snow as soon as possible. Therefore, all residents are asked to move their vehicles off the streets as soon as possible after a snowstorm. If your vehicle is in violation of the snow ordinance, you could be issued a $25 citation and your vehicle could be impounded.

Waukee's emergency priority snow removal routes are as follows (click here for map):

• Sixth Street/R-22 from 1-80 and 6th Street to N. 6th Street and N. 6th Street dead end
• 10th Street/R-22 from 10th Street and Highway 6/Hickman Road to 10th Street and 270th Street
• Ashworth Drive/L.A. Grant Parkway from Ashworth Drive and Highway 6/Hickman Road to SE L.A. Grant Parkway and SE Ashworth Road
• Laurel Street from Laurel Street and 6th Street to SE Laurel Street and SE Dartmoor Drive
• Northview Drive from Northview Drive and 6th Street to Northview Drive and Warrior Lane
• Warrior Lane from Warrior Lane and Aidan Street to N. Warrior Lane and NE Fox Run Trail Drive
• Ashworth Road from Ashworth Road and 6th Street to Ashworth Road and SE Waco Place
• University Avenue from SE University Avenue and Warrior Lane to SE University Avenue and 142nd Street
• Alice's Road from SE Alice's Road and SE University Avenue to NE Alice's Road and Meredith Drive
• Legacy Pointe Boulevard from SE Legacy Pointe Boulevard and Highway 6/Hickman Road to SE Legacy Pointe Boulevard and SE Laurel Street
• Boone Drive from SE Boone Drive and SE University Avenue to SE Boone Drive and SE Boone Drive end (corporate limits).

How Long Do I Have to Shovel My Sidewalks?

Property owners must remove any accumulated snow and ice from the sidewalk within 24 hours after a snowfall (Waukee Municipal Code §218). Snow should not be moved onto adjacent properties or into the street. If you're found in violation of this rule, you could be assessed a fine.

The Waukee Fire Department also asks that property owners move snow from around fire hydrants. Snow around hydrants makes them difficult to locate in an emergency.

How Do I Report a Power Outage?

To report an outage, Waukee residents should call MidAmerican Energy. Residential customers should call (800) 799-4333 and businesses should call (800) 329-6261.

How Can I Find Out What the Roads are Like?

Visit the Iowa DOT Travel Information Service website for a check on road conditions around the state.

How Do I Know if School is Delayed or Cancelled?

If school is cancelled, delayed or dismissed early due to weather conditions or other emergencies, announcements will be made on the following television stations: KCCI (8), WHO (13) and WOI (5); and on radio station WHO 1040-AM.