(Radio Iowa) – After ten U-S House Republicans joined Democrats in impeaching President Trump on Wednesday, now some Republicans in the U-S Senate are considering voting to convict Trump in a looming trial there. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican, says he’s not sure there should even be a Senate trial, given the timeline, as it wouldn’t likely take place until Trump is already out of office. “It’s a big constitutional question about impeaching a private citizen,” Grassley says. “That’s a major thing you’ve gotta’ think about, should Congress, under the Constitution, even do it?”

Congresswoman Cindy Axne, a Democrat from West Des Moines, voted for impeachment, calling the president the rhetorical “ring leader” of last week’s riot at the U-S Capitol, while Iowa’s three Republican House members opposed impeachment. President-elect Biden’s inauguration is scheduled for next Wednesday and Grassley says he’s focused on looking ahead, not back. “We’re just six days away from a new president,” Grassley says. “I’ve been spending all of my time, as I hope all of my colleagues are, on working with the Biden administration to unify the country and it seems to me, that’s not an action that unifies the country, it further divides.”

If there should be a Senate trial, Grassley would not commit in advance to how he’d vote, as senators would be sitting as jurors. “We ought to listen to all of the evidence that’s presented and the defense that’s presented before we make a decision,” Grassley says. “I haven’t even read the indictment that comes from the grand jury-like action that the House took yesterday (Wednesday).”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is quoted as saying he won’t stand in the way of an impeachment trial in the Senate, adding that he is “done” with Trump.

954 AM CST Thu Jan 14 2021; A Blizzard will significantly impact much of Iowa tonight into Friday. Extremely stout winds coupled with moderate to heavy snow will lead to blizzard conditions tonight and throughout much of the day Friday over the central to western sections of Iowa. The heaviest snowfall is likely to fall over north central portions of the state, but even further south and west blizzard conditions are anticipated. Significant travel impacts are expected, especially along Interstates 80 and 35.

Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison-Adams-Union-Taylor-Ringgold-Crawford-Monona-Harrison-Shelby-Pottawattamie-Mills-Montgomery-Fremont and Page Counties.…A BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 12-AM FRIDAY TO 6 PM.

* WHAT…Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 5 inches with winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult if not impossible at times with blowing snow significantly reducing visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday morning and
evening commutes. Isolated power outages and tree damage may occur with the gusty winds.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

A WIND ADVISORY IS CURRENTLY IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT THURSDAY for much of western and southwest Iowa.

* WHAT…Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* IMPACTS…Gusty winds could blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Use extra caution when driving, especially if operating a high profile vehicle. Secure outdoor objects.

(Radio Iowa) – Forecasters say a large winter storm system is moving toward Iowa that will likely impact travel for many of us before the weekend arrives. Up to nine inches of snow is forecast for parts of west and central Iowa along with winds gusting up to 50 miles an hour. Meteorologist Cory Martin, at the National Weather Service, says it’ll get wicked late tonight (Thursday) and early tomorrow (Friday). “We’re looking at snowfall increasing by late today and into the overnight hours,” Martin says. “Really, the story with this system isn’t necessarily going to be how much snow falls, it’s just that the combination of the snow with the really strong winds is going to make travel really difficult — if not impossible — in some areas, generally along and west of the Interstate 35 corridor.”

A Blizzard Warning is posted for much of the state’s western half from 6 o’clock tonight through 6 tomorrow night. Snowfall could be heavy. “North-central and northwest Iowa, we’re looking at over six inches likely up there, a little less as you get south towards the Des Moines metro and into west-central and southwest Iowa,” Martin says. “Again, combined with the strong winds, you’re going to have widespread visibilities of a quarter-mile or less possible which would make travel very difficult.”

With some of the advisories and warnings taking effect at 6 P-M, the weather could start getting nasty about the time many tens of thousands of Iowans will be trying to get home for the day. “The worst of the conditions are probably going to be overnight into tomorrow,” Martin says, “but if you do have travel plans or you need to commute later today, it’s best to check ahead before you leave and make plans accordingly.”

Seven counties in central and north-central Iowa are under a Winter Storm Warning while wide sections of Iowa’s eastern half have Winter Weather Advisories posted, though he says Waterloo, Cedar Rapids and Davenport won’t see as many falling flakes. “Not as much snow out that way,” Martin says. “They’re looking at a couple of inches but still some stronger winds and it won’t take much snow when combined with this wind to possibly cause some travel issues.”

Keep up with the changing forecast at kjan.com or at weather.gov.