Forecasters: Storm, blizzard conditions may put region through a windy, wintry wringer

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Omaha World Herald

By Nancy Gaarder

Stock up on groceries, make sure you’re current on your medications, and take a second look at your Tuesday errands and travel plans.

That’s the advice of meteorologists in the face of the powerful winter storm expected to hit the region Monday night into Tuesday. One of the hallmarks of the storm will be long-lasting, strong winds, so travel could be difficult even in areas with less snowfall.

Dave Samuhel, meteorologist with AccuWeather, The World-Herald’s weather consultant, said models are coming into agreement that blizzard conditions appear headed toward the region. Where the worst of the weather occurs remains to be seen, he said. But it increasingly appears that parts of Kansas, eastern Nebraska and western Iowa are in for a rough ride, he said.

The worst-hit areas could see winds gusting to 50 mph and a foot of snow, he said. With that combination, drifts multiple feet deep are possible in wide-open terrain, he said.

FULL story at link.

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/weather/forecasters-storm-blizzard-conditions-may-put-region-through-a-windy/article_2e952e97-e3e3-51ee-94c5-770762f3d5c6.html

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Western Iowa may get hit before the caucus starts.

Caucus countdown clock: http://data.desmoinesregister.com/iowa-caucus/countdown/index.html

[DallasNE]

1. Based On The Weather Forecasts

The two candidate to have the least negative impact would be Sanders and Rubio so if you are looking for who might exceed expectations, these are the two.

[nitpicker]

2. The Weather Channel has already (nick)named this storm

As Winter Storm Kayla.

[Divernan]

3. This will seriously depress Hill's much vaunted older voter turnout.

As the polling demographics have shown, Hill's best hope lay with a very high turnout from the older voters. I happen to be a 74 year old Judge of Elections in my state, and I'm here to tell you that a major snow storm will seriously depress turnout by older voters.

I mean, how many of them are so enamored of Clinton they will risk 50 mph winds, a traffic accident or slip and fall and broken hip? (The impact of weather on voter turnout is a major reason all states should switch to mail in ballots.)

[LittleGirl]

4. Mail in ballots - Amen to that! eom

[OldHippieChick]

12. You can't mail in ballots at a caucus

This is true democracy in action as I've witnessed for many years in CO. You have to show up and dedicate 2-3 hours for the entire event. It's not a one person-one vote - it's a matter of what percentage votes for which candidate and that determines how many electors that person will have at the county caucus, where the same procedure is used prior to the state convention. All very time consuming and not likely to attract young voters who like instant gratification.

[Uben]

6. Just saw on MSNBC....

...Bernie needs a large turn-out to win Iowa. This storm could derail his chances. Who knows, I hate all these forcasts that say X will win or Y will lose due to weather. SOme people will vote regardless, some will stay in.
They gave the numbers showing HRC only one point ahead if there is a large turn-out. A small turnout has her 3-4 points ahead. Take it with a grain of salt, I don't believe anything I see on TV.

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. The storm is supposed to hit Monday night...

won't people turn out to vote during the day? Esp. the retired ones?
Speaking from experience, I know I would, if only because I cannot drive at night now.

[Divernan]

9. Caucuses start at 7 p.m.

and can go on for hours before final tally is taken. Participants have to stay until the final count is taken.

It's not just a question of whether the roads are clear around 6 to 7 p.m., but what shape they'll be in hours later when people have to drive home.

Even the act of walking across a parking lot against 50 mile per hour winds? And when you finally make it home - driveway and walkway covered with drifted snow (from aforementioned 50 mile per hour winds).

http://videowall.accuweather.com/detail/videos/trending-now/video/4726236579001/snowstorm-unfolds-as-thousands-gather-for-caucuses?autoStart=true

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2016/01/27/iowa-caucuses-how-the-parties-processes-differ-and-whats-new-in-2016/

[dixiegrrrrl]

10. Caucuses...not votes...my bad.

Thank you for your patience.

[Divernan]

11. You bring up an interesting point

What about voters who can't drive at night? Not to mention those who rely on public transportation.

We should each have the option of voting, and/or caucusing by mail, without any restrictions.

[former9thward]

22. Caucuses by definition suppress the vote.

And cause many groups to be excluded. But many will defend them to the death.

[ancianita]

21. The snow doesn't start until after 6 pm. Might not be so bad until later in the night.

[jwirr]

7. At least that means election day will still be on. As to the

storms - those of us in the mid-west are used to them.

[OldHippieChick]

13. Again, this is a caucus, not a primary

People actually have to meet - at night - and spend several hours of discussion and debate before a vote is taken. Yes, not good for elderly who don't drive at night, but also not very attractive to younger voters who have no desire to spend that kind of time when they could be on Twitter.

[jwirr]

14. Born and raised in Iowa - as to the timing the caucus is on

Monday - the storm is predicted for Tuesday. Most of the people who are interested have been going to these things for decades. Seniors go because of issues that apply to them - like keeping their social security safe from Wall Street. As to the youth - they are the wonderful volunteers that we are seeing everywhere for Bernie. They will show up.

[OldHippieChick]

15. Sorry, I misunderstood your post when you referred to Monday as

"election" day. And since the snow doesn't arrive until Tuesday, the weather should have little effect. I do still believe the younger ones might not be so excited to spend hours voting for precinct captain, etc. We did see tremendous attendance in 2008 and there were lots of Obama voters, but most were over 30. Very few folks turned out younger than that.

[jwirr]

16. They may not like to set there but I think they will go. And

there is a big reason for that - we have caucuses here in MN also so last month we Bernie supporters held teach ins regarding how to vote and exactly what needed to be done. We made it sure that those attending understood that if they do not come - we lose.

Many who attended the teach in headed out to let others know about this.

Also the kids saw just exactly how President Obama won - with the votes of specific groups.

[OldHippieChick]

17. We shall see

I am always positive, but the proof will be the end result eh?

[jwirr]

18. Either way it will be. Are you in Iowa?

[OldHippieChick]

19. No, I'm in CO

Our caucus is March 1. I'm hoping for 2008 level turnout. No matter who wins, I would rather it be a majority.

[jwirr]

20. Our caucus is also then here in MN.