Less than a month ago, record high temperatures were set, reaching as much as 70 degrees in early December. Once 1999 rolled in, that all changed.

Although winter made its presence felt with a four inch snowfall December 30, it waited until New Year’s Day to start a storm that went into Saturday dumping between 10 and 12 inches of snow in the local area. Then it followed the snow with heavy winds throughout Sunday. In the process, temperatures went well below zero.

Forecasts say that more snow will fall this week and predicted more would come in Monday night. The only “warming” trend may see the daytime temperature climb to a possible 10 above zero.

The weather caused a number of closings and cancellations both Saturday and Sunday, and saw classes canceled in a number of school districts, including Mid-Prairie and Iowa City.

In Kalona, the combination of snow, drifting and extreme cold brought a postponement of the monthly horse sale at the Kalona Sales Barn until January 11.

Kalona city crews cleared streets both Friday and Saturday, but saw heavy winds fill back a number of areas.

Police did not indicate that there were a number of weather-related accidents, although there was a snow plow that went into a ditch Saturday.

Positive

On the positive side, the snow—the heaviest Kalona has had in recent years—brought brisk business to Yotty’s, Inc. for snow shovels, sleds and toboggans Saturday morning.

Reif’s Family Center had requests for sleds (the long, curved plastic type, as well as the saucer ones), followed by questions about where the best hill could be found.

By Monday morning, main roads were in fair to good condition, but secondary roads still have snow and ice cover and, in some areas, heavy drifts.

However, by the day’s end, city, county and state crews had opened up most roadways.

Officials consider the combination of the holiday, as well as considerable advance warning, lowered the accident and other mishaps rate.