AMES, Iowa – March 5, 2013; noon. – The second band of a two-day long winter storm continues to push through Iowa. The National Weather Service is maintianing a winter storm warning for Mitchell, Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, Floyd, Chickasaw, Fayette and Clayton counties until 6 p.m. tonight.

Most roads in northern and eastern Iowa are currently listed on 511 as completely or mostly covered with snow and ice. Reduce speed for conditions and don’t use your cruise control.

Strong north/northwest winds are anticipated later this afternoon, which could cause visibility and drifting issues in areas that received or are still receiving snow from this storm.  

In west central Iowa, especially along the Interstate 29 and 80 corridors, high winds are expected to cause difficult travel condtions for lightweight and high-profile vehicles. Forecast sustained winds of 25-35 mph, with gusts of up to 45 mph, are expected to last through the afternoon hours.

If you plan to travel today, make sure a winter survival kit or emergency supplies are stowed in your vehicle with sufficient resources for all passengers. A mobile phone should also be carried for emergency use only. Don’t talk, take photos/video or text while driving.

Become a part in Iowa’s traffic information social network.

This network is intended for anyone who has an interest in sharing their observations, experience or awareness of traffic and road conditions. Your valuable insights can help save lives and prevent traffic delays. 

Of course, never post your traffic report while driving. Elicit the help of a passenger when en route; or post a report while taking a break at a rest area, fueling station or other safe location off the roadway.        

• Geotag photos and video: Enable the geotagging option on your mobile device. Then the location of photos and video that are shared can be identified.  
• Use the #iatraffic hashtag: This helps the Iowa DOT and other Twitter users find relevant tweets using that key phrase.
• Tell us what you are seeing: If you have a message that you want to direct specifically to the Iowa DOT, reference @iowadot in your post. Also, tag us in your posts and photos on Facebook.
• Follow us: All traffic-related news releases and traffic incident reports are posted on the Iowa DOT’s Twitter accounts. Search for either @iowadot or @statewideia511.

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