Iowa roadways slick and snow covered

AMES, Iowa – Feb. 9, 2010; 10 a.m. update – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is reporting that the wind is picking up and causing roads to become snow covered and very slick.

 

The Iowa DOT’s road weather information system is reporting wind speeds are gusting to 29 mph in Denison, Mason City, Sioux City, and Williams. Blowing and drifting snow is occurring in these areas, visibility is reduced in open areas.

 

Several multivehicle crashes have been reported this morning. Motorists are reportedly driving too fast for conditions and not putting sufficient space between their vehicle and the ones ahead. The Iowa DOT is urging travelers to make necessary adjustments, like reducing their vehicle speeds, turning off the cruise control and giving their full attention to the driving task.

 

National Weather Service alerts

• A winter storm warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening for north central and most of eastern Iowa. Brisk northwest winds throughout the day will cause significant blowing and drifting of snow.
• A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening for areas generally west of Interstate 35. Visibility will diminish significantly as winds increase due to widespread blowing snow, especially in rural and open areas.

Other state advisories

Minnesota: The Minnesota DOT advises no unnecessary travel in south central and southwestern Minnesota this morning as most roadways remain snow and ice compacted with some drifting.

 

 

For the latest travel conditions in Iowa, call 511 or visit www.511ia.org.

 

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