Morning update: Slippery driving

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By Rick Rector | Friday, December 28, 2007 |

Driving remains treacherous on Quad-City roads this morning as a major storm is forecasted to drop up to five inches of snow on the area. (Kevin E. Schmidt) Buy this Photo

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Driving remains treacherous on Quad-City roads as a major storm is forecast…
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UPDATED: Good Friday morning, Quad-Cities. It’s 31 degrees, 21 degrees when factoring in the wind chill. The freezing rain/drizzle/foggy mist that is sticking to windshields is giving way to snow. Early morning commuters are urged to use caution and be prepared for slick spots and rapidly deteriorating road conditions as the snow increases. Local law officials are warning that road conditions are rapidly getting worse and are reporting numerous fender benders and cars in ditches. The chance of snow is 100 percent. We’re looking at about 5 inches of new snow for the area.

For those on the road today, here’s the latest road conditions for the bistate area:

CLICK HERE for Illinois road conditions.

CLICK HERE for Iowa road conditions.

Interstate 80 from Iowa City to the Mississippi River is reporting completely covered conditions, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation's Web Site.

Other area roads reporting completely covered roads include:

-- U.S. 6, from I-280 to the Illinois state line.

-- U.S. 61, from the Muscatine County line to the Dubuque County line.

-- U.S. 67, from I-80 to U.S. 30 west.

-- U.S. 67, from 30 to U.S. 52.

-- I-280, from I-80 to Mississippi River.

Here’s the National Weather Service is predicting: “A band of freezing drizzle moving across the area will continue to change over to snow and become moderate to heavy at times. Areas from Wapello to Tipton, Iowa, may pick up an inch of new snowfall by 6:30 a.m.

“A snow advisory is now in effect until 6 p.m. as snow will overspread the area from southwest to northeast early this morning with the heaviest snowfall expected between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. today. The rate of snowfall this morning may be heavy enough to produce accumulations of 1 to 2 inches an hour at times and create areas of near zero visibility. Snowfall amounts of 2 to 6 inches are expected. Current information suggests that the heavy snow axis and greatest potential for up to 6 inches and higher amounts will be roughly along a line from Sigourney, Iowa to near Sterling, Ill. Areas from Monmouth and Macomb to south of Princeton, Ill., will be on the lower end with around 2 to 3 inches of snow accumulation.”

Those living along the Rock River near Joslin, Ill., are breathing a sigh of relief today as those ice jams between Illinois 84 and the Interstate 80 bridge have broken up and the high water is moving downstream.

If we get the snowfall total today that the National Weather Service is predicting, it will kick in the snow emergency plans for Quad-Cities. Here are the plans:

Davenport: Parking is prohibited on any posted snow route until snow (2'' or more) has been cleared from curb to curb. If there is a series of snowfalls where substantial snowfall occurs and the plowing process is continuous, parking on a snow route remains prohibited until those routes are clear. Cars illegally parked on snow routes will be ticketed $35 and could be towed.

Rock Island: In the event of more than 2 inches of snow, parking is not allowed on marked snow routes until after the snow has been removed. Violators will receive a $25 parking ticket and possibly impounded. The city does not clear snow and ice from alleys or residential sidewalks.

Moline: All vehicles must be moved from the snow routes. City snow routes are marked with signs. Vehicles not removed are towed. Home and business owners are responsible for removing snow from sidewalks that border their property within 12 hours of a snowfall.

Clinton: Officials said that no parking is permitted on marked snow routes until the snow has ceased and the street is plowed. The police department will ticket and tow vehicles left on snow routes.

Bettendorf: The city prohibits parking on any posted snow route until snow (2'' or more) has been cleared. On other streets, residents may park their cars on the even-numbered side of the street on even days, and on the odd-numbered side on odd dates. Change-over time is 7 a.m. On streets where parking usually is limited to one side, vehicles may be parked only on the odd-numbered side on odd days --- no parking is allowed on the even side. Residents may park their cars on the even-numbered side of the street on even days, and on the odd-numbered side on odd dates. Change-over time is 7 a.m. On streets where parking usually is limited to one side, vehicles may be parked only on the odd-numbered side on odd days -- no parking is allowed on the even side.

East Moline: Snow removal is separated into five routes. Total plowing takes about eight hours after snowfall ends, this includes alleys. Route 1 is 1st Street to 5th Street from 15th Avenue to 42nd Avenue. Kennedy Drive to Archer Drive south of 42nd Avenue. Route 2 is 5th Street to Archer Drive from 15th Avenue to 42nd Avenue. Archer Drive to 18th Street A from 18th Avenue to 23rd Avenue. Route 3 is all streets north of the railroad tracks, including Cottage Grove, Babcock, Martels, and Silvis Heights. Route 4 is downtown, hills and main drags. Route 5 is parks sidewalks, ponds, parking lots, high-rise 42nd Avenue, Archer Drive sidewalks.

Sidewalk snow removal rules

Davenport: Sidewalks must be cleared of ice and snow within 10 hours after the end of a snow greater than 2 inches. If not, the city can hire a contractor to clear your walks and assess the cost to you. City employees respond to complaints and personally monitor walks within a three-block radius of schools.

Bettendorf: Sidewalks must be cleared within 48 hours after snow ceases. If not, property owners are sent a courtesy letter warning them that if the walks are not cleared within 24 hours of the time the letter was written, a contractor will clear the walk and the cost will be assessed to them. Priority is given to complaints and walks around schools and or used by joggers. The minimum cost is $50 per hour.

East Moline: Sidewalks must be cleared of ice and snow within 24 hours after the snow stops falling.

Moline: Sidewalks must be cleared of ice and snow within a reasonable time after a storm ends. Reasonable means within 12 hours, or if the storm stops during the night, within 12 hours after daylight.

Rock Island: The city doesn't have a policy on removal or enforcement.

While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission:

-- In 2006, more than 31,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings for injuries sustained while shoveling or otherwise removing ice and snow manually.

-- More than 5,000 were injured using snow blowers.

-- Types of injuries can include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders, as well as lacerations and finger amputations.

"People tend to think of snow removal as just another household task, but it really involves a lot of bending and heavy lifting," says Dr. Glen D. Shapiro, an orthopedic surgeon. "It can be especially dangerous for people who do not regularly exercise, as their bodies are not prepared for that level of activity."

The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:

-- Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.

-- If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission.

-- Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.

-- Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.

-- Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed down variety.

-- Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.

-- Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one.

-- Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and "sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.

-- Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.

-- Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck sweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens, wool socks and waterproof boots. And if you're snow blowing:

-- Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow becomes too impacted, stop the engine and wait at least five seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.

-- Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running. Shut off the engine if you must walk away from the machine.

-- Watch the snow blower cord. If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.

-- Add fuel before starting the snow blower. Never add fuel when the engine is running or hot. Do not operate the machine in an enclosed area.

-- Read the instruction manual. Prior to using a snow blower, read the instruction manual for specific safety hazards, unfamiliar features, and whenever attempting to repair or maintain the snow blower.

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Drop us an e-mail at newsroom@qctimes.com or give us a call at (563) 383-2235 if you see breaking news such as house fires, traffic accidents and congestion, road conditions, street closures, detours and water main breaks in the Quad-Cities region.

Presidential candidates visit

With the Iowa caucuses just 6 days away, the following presidential candidates are back in Iowa today, weather permitting:

Barack Obama: 9:45 a.m., Mary Welsh Elementary School Gymnasium, 2383 Raider Drive, Williamsburg; noon, Northwest Junior High School Main Gymnasium, 1507 8th St., Coralville; 4 p.m., Washington Middle School Large Gym, 751 2nd Ave. S, Clinton; 6:30 p.m., RiverCenter Great River Hall, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport; 9 p.m., Central Middle School Gymnasium, 901 Cedar St., Muscatine.

John Edwards: 10:30 a.m., Bill’s Pizza & Smoke House, 201 1st St. W, Independence; 12:45 p.m., Colts Community Center, 1101 Central Ave., Dubuque; 3:30 p.m., Clinton High School, 817 8th Ave. S, Clinton; 5:45 p.m., Tipton Family Restaurant, 101 E. 4th St., Tipton; 7:15 p.m., Putnam Museum & Imax Theatre, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport.

Bill Clinton: Campaigns on behalf of Hillary Clinton. 1:30 p.m., Jewel’s Skate Country Rink, 2220 Town Line Road, Decorah; 3:30 p.m., New Hampton – Chickasaw Center, 112 E. Spring St., New Hampton; 6 p.m., Oelwein Middle School, 300 12th Ave. SE, Oelwein.

Bill Richardson: 9:15 a.m., Des Moines Botanical Gardens, Oak Room, 909 Robert D. Ray Drive, Des Moines; noon, Peace Dining Room, Dahl Centennial Union, Luther College Campus, 700 College Drive, Decorah; 2:45 p.m., Schera's Restaurant, River View Room, 107 S. Main St., Elkader; 5:30 p.m., Lawrence Community Room, Meeting Room, 600 E. Main, Anamosa; 7:30 p.m., Cedar County Courthouse, Lower Meeting Room, 400 Cedar St., Tipton.

Chris Dodd: Noon, Chris Dodd for President Iowa Headquarters, 1115 Grand Ave., Des Moines; 3:30 p.m., Dymond Public Safety Center, 8505 Harbach Blvd., Clive; 7 p.m., IAFF Local 15 Union Hall, 1827 S. 8th St., Council Bluffs.

Elizabeth and Cate Edwards: Campaign on behalf of John Edwards. 12:15 p.m., Windsor Manor, 1807 W. 5th St., Vinton; 3:30 p.m., EV Malt Shop, 226 S. Main St., North English; 7:15 p.m., Putnam Museum & Imax Theatre, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport.

Fred Thompson: 9 a.m., Smokey Row Coffee House, 639 Franklin St., Pella; 10:55 a.m., tour of downtown Oskaloosa; 12:10 p.m., Hotel Ottumwa, 107 E. 2nd St., Ottumwa; 2:15 p.m., tour of downtown Fairfield; 6:30 p.m., Alphas on the Riverfront, 709 Avenue H, Fort Madison.

Hillary Clinton: 1:30 p.m., Roland-Story Elementary School, 900 Hillcrest St., Story City; 3:30 p.m., Van Deist Building at Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 1200 Bluff St., Webster City; 6 p.m., Olson Hall, North Iowa Fairgrounds, 3700 4th St. SW, Mason City. Joe Biden: 9 a.m., Adel Public Library Community Room, 303 S. 10th St., Adel; 12:30 p.m., Mabe's Pizza and Restaurant, 110 E. Water St., Decorah; 3 p.m., Featherlite Center, Howard County Fairgrounds, 220 7th St. W, Cresco; 5:30 p.m., Waverly Civic Center, 200 1st St. NE, Waverly; 7:30 p.m., Waterloo Center for the Arts, 25 Commercial St., Waterloo.

John Edwards: 10:30 a.m., Bill’s Pizza & Smoke House, 201 1st St. W, Independence; 12:45 p.m., Colts Community Center, 1101 Central Ave., Dubuque; 3:30 p.m., Clinton High School, 817 8th Ave. S, Clinton; 5:45 p.m., Tipton Family Restaurant, 101 E. 4th St., Tipton; 7:15 p.m., Putnam Museum & Imax Theatre, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport.

John McCain: 9 a.m., The Ivy Bake Shoppe, 309 S. Gear, West Burlington.

Michelle Obama, campaigns on behalf of Barack Obama. 9:30 a.m., Mills County YMCA New Gym, 110 Sivers Road, Glenwood; 11:40 a.m., Rand Senior Center, 100 S. 4th St., Missouri Valley; 1:40 p.m., AHST High School Cafeteria, 768 S. Maple St., Avoca; 3:35 p.m., Cass County Community Center, 805 W. 10th St., Atlantic.

Mike Huckabee: 9 a.m., Pizza Ranch, 508 Main St., Pella; 6:30 p.m., Bridge View Center, 102 Church St., Ottumwa.

Road work

Here is the latest road construction work in your area.

Henry County

-- Eastbound traffic is restricted to one lane on I-80 at Cleveland Road until December 2008.

-- Drivers on Illinois 78 from 2 miles north of I-80 to Coal Creek should expect lane restrictions during road improvements until December 2008.

Carroll County

-- Eastbound and westbound traffic on U.S. 52 and Illinois 64 from east of Savanna to east of Illinois 78 will be restricted to one lane and controlled by traffic signals until Dec. 1, 2008.

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