Snow flurries and strong winds may cause some travel headaches today

Iowa Department of Transportation

AMES, Iowa – Jan. 18, 2011 – Strong winds and light snow may cause some travel hazards in open and rural areas of Iowa today, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT).

Light snow and freezing drizzle are possible over the central and eastern areas of the state this morning. For travelers, east-west roadways in open areas could see finger drifting on the edges of the road, and patches of ice due to wheel track glazing can be expected. Periods of reduced visibility may also occur as the strong winds pick up the light snow.

Travel forecast
Northwest winds will diminish this afternoon, ending the threat of blowing and drifting snow over central and eastern areas. Another clipper system will spread light snow to the state this afternoon and shift east tonight. Accumulations will be under an inch, but some local areas in the north could see up to an inch. Lingering flurries or freezing drizzle will be possible overnight and will end by Wednesday morning.