High winds continue to be a problem for county and state crews looking to clean up and catch up on the storm that blew into Iowa Thursday. Department of Transportation spokesperson Denna Gray-Fischer says southern Iowa is one of the problem areas. She says the whole corner of southwest Iowa continues to be a problem as crews are out trying to clear some blockage.
Gray-Fisher says the wind-chill and blowing and drifting snow will be a problem throughout the day, on the interstate highways as well as Highway 59 from Highway 34 to the Missouri border. The DOT said say both the 5-1-1 and the 800-288-1047 number were overloaded with calls. The system is operating, but callers may experience delays and may have to call several times to gather information.
Northwest Iowa authorities say there’s a traffic jam just south of Sioux City at the barricade that’s blocking traffic from going south on Interstate-29. There’s a potential public safety concern on Interstate-29 this afternoon. Apparently some motorists haven’t heard or don’t believe the Interstate is closed.
Woodbury County Chief Deputy Greg Logan says there are white out conditions from Sioux City south to the Missouri line. “Our personnel are out there trying to get stranded motorists off the roadway. There’s vehicles blocking the roadway. There’s vehicles in the ditch,” Logan says. “It’s a very hazardous situation.”