National Weather Service Urges Iowa Residents to Prepare for El Niño Winter
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a call for Iowa residents to prepare for the upcoming El Niño winter season. On Winter Weather Preparedness Day, observed in Iowa, the NWS advised citizens to stock emergency supplies and ensure their vehicles are ready for winter conditions. This guidance emphasizes the potential for significant snowfall and extreme cold across the state. Residents are encouraged to assemble home emergency kits, including snow shovels and salt, and to have their vehicles checked for winter readiness. Drivers should also carry blankets, jumper cables, and portable phone chargers, and clear exhaust pipes of snow if running an engine for heat to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The NWS, a federal agency under NOAA, is responsible for issuing weather forecasts, watches, and warnings for the United States.