Refreezing of pavements expected overnight

AMES, Iowa – Dec. 14, 2009; 6:15 p.m. update – Roadways currently considered wet or partially covered with ice and snow are likely to refreeze overnight as air and pavement temperatures plummet.  Winds continuing through the evening hours, gusting in the 20s, will also cause areas of blowing and drifting snow where accumulations occurred this morning.

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s road weather sensors, pavement temperatures in the northwest and portions of southwest and north central/central Iowa are already at or below the 20-degree threshold necessary for salt to be most effective.

Roadways sensors are currently showing pavement temperatures as low as 10 degrees in Ida Grove, 14 in Mason City, 15 in Red Oak, 17 in Ankeny, and 18 in Waterloo.

Travelers are advised to closely monitor changing travel conditions by call 511 or visiting www.511ia.org (select the low-bandwidth site and Winter Conditions map).

 Throughout the winter months, motorists should carry their winter survival kits. They can be especially valuable if your vehicle becomes disabled or you are stranded during these frigid periods.

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