Blizzard Conditions Hitting Central and Western Iowa

Blizzard conditions are hitting a large portion of the state – from Waterloo and Marshalltown to points west.

Craig Bargfrede with the Iowa DOT says there are hundreds of big orange plows on the roads and they’re struggling to keep up with near-hurricane force winds and thick blankets of blowing, drifting snow.

Travel has not been advised for western and central Iowa for much of the day, and many roads in the region have been considered impassable. Even sections of Interstate-80 were closed this Wednesday morning due to multiple crashes. Conditions were terrible when it was dark, but even during the daytime, Bargfrede says being on the roads is exceptionally risky.

Nearly every snowplow in the state’s fleet is on the highway for this storm.

Bargfrede encourages drivers to reconsider before hitting the roads today.

Here in eastern Iowa, a Winter Weather Advisory and High Wind Warning remain in effect, with towing not recommended in Delaware and Buchanan counties (as of 11:15 am). Stay up to date with the latest DOT road conditions at 511ia.org.

Delaware County Emergency Management Coordinator Mandy Bieber reminds everyone that the snow will be moving out of the area this afternoon – so delaying or cancelling your travel is recommended. “Once the snow stops, the road crews are still going to need some time to get them back into good condition,” says Bieber. “Give them space and time to do their work.”

Delaware County secondary road crews have their equipment out working on the roads, but Delaware County Engineer Rafe Koopman says this is one of those storms where it’s hard to make progress. “Part of the road can be real good – then all of a sudden the snow is blowing over the road and causing an icy area,” says Koopman. “Please drive with caution.”

story courtesy of Radio Iowa; image courtesy of NWS