Update: Polk County Under Tow Ban; Johnston Snow Ordinance In Effect

Updated 10:28 p.m.

Both Dallas and Polk County are under a tow ban, according to the Iowa Department of Public Safety. That means that if you slide into a ditch tow trucks will not come pull you out until law enforcement gives the OK later Thursday.

The DPS website says: 

The Department of Public Safety's Division of the Iowa State Patrol is prepared to work though a dangerous blizzard begining Wednesday evening, December 19, 2012 and continuing through noon on Thursday, December 20, 2012.

"The smartest, safest thing Iowans can do tonight and tomorrow is avoid traveling--in town or on the highways and interstates," said Colonel David Garrison, Iowa State Patrol. "The National Weather Service clearly states this will be a dangerous storm with high winds and low visibility. Do yourself a favor and stay in this evening."

Our Earlier Story:

With Winter Storm Draco looking to bear down on the Midwest and Iowa, Johnston is preparing residents.

A snow ordinance will go into effect at 6 p.m. and continue until 6 p.m. Thursday in Johnston.

As part of the ordinance, cars will not be allowed to park on any city streets.

The city's Public Works Department has already been hard at work with preparations.

Equipment will hit the streets around 3:30 a.m. tomorrow, director Davie Cubit told The Des Moines Register.

About 30 pieces of equipment will work to clear 150 lane miles and 160 cul-de-sacs in the city.

Winter Storm Draco is expected to hit central Iowa as early as 4 p.m., KCCI is now reporting.

Snow totals are expected to reach between 6 and 10 inches by Thursday evening.

Snow precipitation entered southwest Iowa about 1:30 p.m.

The evening commute is expected to feature a rain-snow mix, with conditions deteriorating between 6 and 8 p.m.

The heaviest snow is expected between midnight and 5 a.m. Thursday.