AMES, Iowa – March 18, 2013: 9:30 a.m. update – While heavy snowfall is not expected, the Iowa Department of Transportation is reporting that very strong northwest winds (25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph) are forecast for later today, which will be conducive to drifting of roads and periods of reduced visibility. Blizzard conditions at times are expected by this afternoon over far northern Iowa and into Minnesota; this includes Interstate 35.
The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning for Emmet, Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Palo Alto, Hancock and Cerro Gordo counties, which remains in effect until 10 p.m. this evening.
A wind advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. this evening for Woodbury, Monona, Ida, Plymouth and Cherokee counties. Northwest winds will average 25 to 40 mph, with frequent gusts to around 45 mph. Truck drivers and other persons traveling in or towing high-profile vehicles are advised to take extra precautions.
Winter weather advisories are also posted for numerous counties in Iowa, including nearly all located north of U.S. 30 and those along the eastern one quarter of the state.
For the latest Iowa road condition information: visit http://www.511ia.org; call 511 in Iowa or 800-288-1047 nationwide; or visit the website to learn more about receiving road condition information via Twitter, Facebook or on your mobile device.