Travel not advised in central and south central Iowa

AMES, Iowa – Feb. 8, 2010 – 4:45 p.m. – The latest winter storm is causing hazardous travel on Iowa roadways this afternoon. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa State Patrol are advising against travel in parts of central, south central Iowa. The “No Travel” advisory includes sections of Interstates 35 and 80, U.S. 65, U.S. 169, and U.S. 30. A towing ban is in effect for these areas.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for areas east of I-35 until 6 p.m. Tuesday. Moderate to heavy snow can be expected through much of the evening. Snowfall rates as high as ½ inch to ¾  inch per hour are likely, with accumulations of up to 3 inches by midnight tonight, and total accumulations of up to 10 inches through Tuesday.

With the large amount of snow already received this winter, roadside ditches have become overloaded and any increase in wind could cause severe drifting, even in areas of the state that have received minor amounts of snow during this storm.

If you must travel this afternoon and tonight, especially in central, south central and eastern Iowa, log on to www.511ia.org or call 511.

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Media contact: Tracey Bramble at 515-290-0432 or tracey.bramble@dot.iowa.gov

 

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