Wind and cold to hit in one-two punch overnight

Iowa Department of Transportation

AMES, Iowa – Jan. 11, 2011 – 3 p.m. – With snowfall tapering off in most areas of the state, increasing winds and falling temperatures are starting to sting western Iowa. This one-two punch will create hazardous driving conditions tonight and into tomorrow morning across the state, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Travel forecast
A winter weather advisory that covers a majority of counties in Iowa remains in effect until 6 p.m. this evening. A quick moving clipper will bring the next chance for precipitation to areas of the north and northeast, however should hold off until mid to late afternoon on Thursday. Breezy northwesterly winds will also continue to increase across western areas of the state this afternoon and will spread eastward across the state this evening and into the overnight. This will bring the threat for blowing and drifting snow where new snowfall has fallen today. This threat will gradually diminish Wednesday morning as winds relax.

Travel conditions
Most Iowa highways are now listed as partially covered with snow and ice. The primary travel concern tonight will be the breezy northwesterly winds of 15 to 25 mph, with gusts to 30 mph, causing significant blowing and drifting of snow.

Stay informed
Before traveling, check the latest road conditions by visiting www.511ia.org or calling 511 (in Iowa)/800-288-1047 (outside the state).

Source: Iowa DOT