Major winter storm to impact travel today and Wednesday
Iowa Department of Transportation
AMES, Iowa – Feb. 1, 2011; 5:30 a.m. update – Heavy snowfall, strong winds and dangerous wind chills will make travel extremely hazardous over the next 48 hours in central, east central and southeast Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) is advising travelers to carefully monitor weather and road conditions as they are expected to steadily decline throughout today.
The majority of roadways in Iowa are currently partially or completely covered with a combination of ice and snow. The Iowa State Patrol has activated a towing ban in areas where roads are completely covered.
“The Iowa DOT issues many travel advisories throughout a winter season, but this particular storm has all the characteristics of being very potent. So, the department is asking travelers to head the warnings, use common sense and not take life-threatening risks,” said spokesperson Dena Gray-Fisher.
Beginning later today and continuing into Wednesday afternoon, winds gusts are expected to reach 45 mph, with sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph, making travel nearly impossible under whiteout conditions and drifting snow.
Additional snow accumulations could reach between 3 to 5 inches in central Iowa, 9 to 14 inches in the east central part of the state, and 15 to 20 inches in the far southeast corner. Dubuque and Cedar Rapids could receive an additional 9 inches, Iowa City 12 inches, Davenport 15 inches, and Burlington 18 inches. Ottumwa and Fairfield could receive another 13 to 14 inches, and Des Moines 5 inches.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning that will remain in effect from noon today to noon Wednesday. Improving conditions are not expected until Wednesday night.
Bitterly cold wind chills in the teens and 20s below zero will be present by Wednesday morning. If you absolutely must travel in the warned area, make sure you have your cell phone and winter survival kit with you.
Should you become stranded, remain with your vehicle, even if that means waiting several hours for help to reach you. Reduced visibility can cause a person to become easily disoriented, even when walking a short distance. The severe temperatures can cause frostbite and hypothermia to occur in just a few minutes.
The Iowa DOT will be providing periodic travel condition updates throughout this winter storm. Travelers can also check the latest road conditions by visiting www.511ia.org or calling 511 (in state) or 800-288-1047 (outside Iowa).
