March 10, 2013: 3:35 p.m. update – Iowa roadways are already being impacted by a major winter storm that is bringing with it very strong winds and heavy snow. Interstate 80 is presently blocked in both directions between exits 34 and 40 (Shelby to Avoca in Pottawattamie County) and I-29 northbound is blocked near exit 95 (Little Sioux in Harrison County). Both blockages are the result of multiple vehicle crashes. Another accident near the Cass Pottawattamie County line has traffic blocked in both directions.

Interstate travelers should be advised that westbound Interstate 80 in Nebraska is also closed at Lincoln, Nebr., mile marker 395.

Several winter storm warnings have been issued that affect a majority of counties in Iowa, except for the far southeast corner of the state. This storm is not expected to exit Iowa until sometime Monday morning or early afternoon. Predicted snow totals vary by location, but range from as little as 4 inches to as much as 10 inches. With this event, the wind will play a significant factor, regardless of snow totals.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s road weather information system is reporting increasing wind speeds as the front moves eastward. West central Iowa is presently reporting wind gusts in excess of 40 mph, causing hazardous travel conditions when combined with the heavy snow.

For the latest Iowa road condition information visit http://www.511ia.org/; call 511 in Iowa or 800-288-1047 nationwide; or follow the Iowa DOT on Twitter @iowadot or @statewideia511. Be sure to use the hashtag #iatraffic in your posts.