Snowstorm Quiana buries Midwest

Snowstorm Quiana dumped more than a foot of snow and brought with her, winds over 50 mph over the weekend. Churches, schools, and businesses were closed, as roads were impassable and travel was not advised. Many travelers were left stranded Sunday and Monday, as plows were pulled from the roads, due to poor visibility and drifting snow, and most of Iowa was under a tow ban. Interstate 35 was closed from Ames to Owatonna, Minn., and did not reopen until late Monday afternoon. Interstate 90 in Minnesota was also closed in areas. Staff from Young Plumbing and Heating were out Sunday and Monday to clear chimneys and furnace vents. Monday night, Lake Mills firefighters went around the city and dug out fire hydrants, so that they would be accessible.
As can be seen in the photos provided by some of our Graphic Facebook friends, drifts blocked roads, driveways, and businesses. The top photo is Hwy. 69 west of Three Oaks Greenhouse on Monday morning. The buried flagpole was located at the home of Barb and and Brian Abele. Leah Engelbarts could not get her vehicles out of the garage, due to the large drift in front of her garage door. The Graphic front door was blocked by a large drift, and vehicles in the parking lot were buried in snow. Unfortunately, more snow is in the forecast.