Some western Iowa roads are still closed due to heavy snow. Strong winds are blowing deep drifts back across roads minutes after they’re cleared. Parts of Interstates 29 and 80 were closed Sunday due to multiple wrecks. Bob Younie, the state maintenance engineer for the Iowa D.O.T., says travel is being discouraged in some areas due to slick or snow-packed pavement and reduced visibility from blowing snow.
“We’ve had some pretty significant improvement in the roads although we still have winter driving conditions over about three-fourths of the state,” Younie says. “We need motorists to take it easy and make sure they buckle up and buckle up their passengers.”
While several weather-related accidents in the past day involved injuries, there are no reported deaths. Snowfall totals are deepest in northwest Iowa, with several areas reporting eight to 11-inches of snow, and 14-inches in both Cherokee and Buena Vista counties.
“We have places that got a lot of snow but the real problem for us and for motorists is the snow that’s blowing around,” Younie says. “The wind’s going to be blowing quite a bit of today and it’s going to be blowing for a little bit tomorrow. People need to be aware that it’s still winter and look out for slick spots.”
Get the latest information on road conditions statewide by calling 511 or by visiting the website 511ia.org.