Iowa DOT issues travel alert
Iowa Department of Transportation
AMES, Iowa – Dec. 24, 2010: 9:30 a.m. update – The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is issuing the following travel alert due to a winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m. today for portions of northeast and north central Iowa. A winter weather advisory also remains in effect for the balance of the state, except for the far southwest corner, which may receive occasional freezing drizzle.
Most roadways in Iowa are currently completely or partially covered by a mix of snow, ice or slush. During periods of heavier snowfall, visibility is being reduced to less than a half mile. Travel speeds on I-35 north of U.S. 20 to the Minnesota border have been averaging 59 mph, as light precipitation continues to fall. Iowa DOT snowplows are out in force where conditions warrant.
Snow is forecast to continue to spread across the state this morning and through the afternoon. Snowfall totals will be heaviest over portions of the northeast and north central Iowa, with accumulations of 6 to 9 inches, and locally higher amounts possible. Overnight totals have generally been 5 to 7 inches within the warned area, and another 1 to 2 inches is expected today.
With the increased holiday travel and wintry weather, motorists are urged to closely monitor weather and road conditions. Make this a safe and joyous travel period for all, including the snowplow operators. Give the slow-moving snowplow trucks some extra space so they have room to safely clear the roads for everyone’s use.
Stay informed and plan ahead – Iowa winter road condition information
- Web: Visit www.511ia.org
- Phone: Call 511 (in state) or 800-288-1047 (outside of Iowa)
- Rest areas: Free Wi-Fi service is available at the Iowa DOT interstate rest areas so you can view the www.511ia.org Web site on your computer from the convenience of your vehicle; or step indoors to view the Web site and radar images on the easy-to-operate kiosk.
- Dynamic message boards: National Weather Service warnings are posted on the message boards displayed over highways at key locations throughout the state. When necessary, interstate closure information is also made available on these signs.
- Mobile communication device: The www.511ia.org road condition map and text route reports are available for viewing on your mobile communication device. Cell phones and other mobile communication devices should only be used when parked and off the traveled portion of the roadway.
- Twitter: Follow the Iowa DOT on Twitter at http://twitter.com/iowadot and receive winter travel advisories and reports of traffic incidents.
- E-mail: Receive winter travel advisories and periodic updates directly in your inbox. Visit www.news.iowadot.gov to subscribe.
Source: Iowa DOT
