AMES, Iowa – Dec. 20, 2012: 8:30 a.m. – Due to life-threatening blizzard conditions, the Iowa Department of Transportation’s “No Travel” advisory remains in effect throughout Thursday.

The Iowa DOT’s road and aviation weather system is currently reporting sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts over 50 mph in some locations. The very strong winds are likely to continue until midnight with whiteout conditions at times and significant drifting.

The National Weather Services is forecasting 6 to 14 inches of snow by this afternoon, with the higher totals expected along an axis from just east of Atlantic to Des Moines to Waterloo. Snow is currently falling at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour.

If you must travel, bring your mobile phone and winter survival supplies. If you become stranded, STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE and call 911. For the latest road condition report, go to www.511ia.org. or call 511 (in Iowa).