IOWA CITY – A report from the Iowa State Patrol described bad weather and treacherous driving conditions on Interstate highways near Iowa City, causing dozens of cars to pile up and injuries to travelers.
Weather conditions were deteriorating rapidly along Interstate 80 on Iowa City’s north side due to blowing snow. Between the 246 and 249 mile markers, the roadway was completely covered with snow and ice around 9 AM. The road conditions caused a a multiple-vehicle chain reaction collision, with vehicles going into ditches. The state patrol said there was an unkown number of injuries, including an officer whose squad car was struck.
According to the National Weather Service, an Alberta Clipper weather system over central Iowa was racing southeast out of the state Saturday, through the afternoon, causing blowing snow and reduced visibility.
