NORTH IOWA – Rural roads in the North Iowa area are up to 100% snow and ice covered.
The blizzard dumped varying amounts of snow all over the region, and plows had been pulled for some time until the snow could dissipate. As the plows get caught up, law enforcement reports some roads should be avoided altogether.
In Mitchell county, the sheriff’s office reported a semi turned over in a ditch. “We are asking people to avoid Highway 218 east of St. Ansgar this morning,” that agency said, as they worked to get the semi out. “Please travel careful today.”
A Mason City delivery man reported that “the roads are 100% snow and ice covered today. I believe that I heard travel is not recommended. Seriously, if you don’t absolutely have to be somewhere today, stay home.”
He reported driving no faster than 40 miles per hour on his way to Algona.
“Its going to be a long day,” he said. “The highways and two lane blacktop are horrible.”
Just outside this region, parts of Highway 20 remains blocked today, and Interstate 90 in Minnesota has re-opened after being closed for several hours. The Minnesota DOT says “caution is still needed” on that roadway.
Snow plows are working hard in town to clear the roads and are making progress in Mason City. Some other less-travelled streets and intersections will still pose problems for some vehicles.
The Iowa Department of Transportation reported this morning that “Thousands of state, county & city plows are out to help you get where you need to go” and to show patience around them.
To make matters even more dangerous, however, the Iowa State Patrol reports this morning that “in the past 12 hours, yes in a snow storm, 2 Semi drivers were arrested for OWI, 1 was hauling Hazmat.”
Conditions have improved a bit overnight. Still many areas "travel not advised." If you travel, buckle up/slow down. pic.twitter.com/gjl0UQNjr6
— Iowa DOT (@iowadot) February 3, 2016
Roads in NW Iowa still a trouble spot. Check https://t.co/6jLPJVcAj2 often for updates. pic.twitter.com/q7KNzGD3l2
— Statewide Iowa 511 (@statewideia511) February 3, 2016
— Statewide Iowa 511 (@statewideia511) February 3, 2016