Severe winter weather in Iowa has led to the complete closure of Interstate 35 northbound from Ames to the Minnesota border. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) made this decision to prioritize driver safety amidst whiteout conditions. Alongside the road closure, authorities have implemented a tow ban in Hamilton, Franklin, and Cerro Gordo counties, discouraging drivers from taking alternate routes, as conditions on side roads are equally perilous.
The Iowa State Patrol has reported a troubling series of incidents throughout the day, with 31 crashes occurring between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday. Tragically, one of these incidents resulted in a fatality. Of the total accidents reported, 22 involved only property damage, while eight included injuries. One particularly significant crash involved 14 vehicles on Interstate 35, exacerbated by fierce winds and swirling snow that rendered visibility nearly nonexistent.
Craig Bargfrede, Winter Operations Administrator for the Iowa DOT, emphasized the danger posed by drivers not adjusting their speed to accommodate the severe weather. “People are just driving too fast for the conditions and not heeding warnings to stay home today,” he stated. In response to the winter storm, approximately 630 crews have been dispatched to manage the roads, although traditional de-icing methods such as salt are less effective due to extremely low temperatures.
In light of the emergency conditions, motels in affected areas are reportedly at full capacity, and the Iowa Falls Fire Station on South River Street has been designated as an emergency shelter for stranded motorists. The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for northern Iowa, which will remain in effect until 9 a.m. Monday, impacting several counties including Emmet, Kossuth, and Winnebago, among others.
As this dangerous weather event unfolds, authorities urge residents to stay indoors, monitor road conditions, and heed all safety warnings to mitigate risks on the road. The situation remains dynamic, and officials are working diligently to assist those affected by the storm.