Iowa DOT issues travel advisory
AMES, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 – 7 a.m. - The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is reporting that nearly all roads in Iowa are completely covered with a mix of ice, snow or slush. The Iowa State Patrol is prohibiting towing services until the roads can be returned to normal winter driving conditions.
The Iowa DOT is recommending that motorists exercise caution today, especially when traveling in open and rural areas. Be sure your winter survival kit, blankets and warm clothing are in your vehicle, just in case your vehicle suffers a mechanical breakdown, you run off the road or otherwise become stranded.
Travel forecast
A winter weather advisory that covers a majority of counties in Iowa remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening. Storm snow totals will range from 4 to 7 inches east of Interstate 35 and 7 to 10 inches to the west. Light to moderate snow will gradually diminish in coverage and intensity as it moves eastward across the state. Light snowfall will likely persist throughout much of the day east of I-35. Some flurries may linger through the overnight into Wednesday in the northeast. The air temperature will be dropping throughout the day into the single digits.
Travel conditions
The primary travel concern today will be the breezy northwesterly winds. A cold front will move through as the snow diminishes. Northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 30 mph, will cause significant blowing and drifting of snow, especially in areas roughly along and southwest of a line from Estherville to Des Moines to Centerville. Visibilities will be reduced to less than one half mile at times. The threat for blowing snow will spread into eastern Iowa tonight and into Wednesday.
Iowa DOT snowplows will be out in full force, as conditions warrant. The blowing and drifting of snow will be a persistent travel problem as some roads that have already been cleared will become covered again as the snow blows back across.
Stay informed
Before traveling, check the latest road conditions by visiting www.511ia.org or calling 511 (in Iowa)/800-288-1047 (outside the state).
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