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Motorists Reminded to Be Cautious on Iowa Roads

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March 11th, 2013 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa – March 11, 2013: 7 a.m. update – The Iowa Department of Transportation reminds motorists to exercise extreme caution during the morning commute and while otherwise traveling today. Iowa travel conditions are expected to improve late this morning and into the afternoon in the western and northeast sections of Iowa as the storm moves out of the state. Snowfall and strong north-northwest winds have made it difficult for travelers in western and northeast Iowa.

Iowa’s 511 system is currently reporting that roadways in the Correctionville, Denison, Peterson,  and Ida Grove areas are impassible. Roads in western and northeast Iowa are partially to completely snow covered. Travel remains hazardous along Interstates 29 and 80 in western Iowa, and also east of Mason City and north of Waterloo. The Iowa DOT’s reminds the public that sharing the roadways with slow-moving snow removal equipment requires drivers to exercise extra precautions.

The Winter Storm that caught many motorists by surprise and left many stranded and seeking shelter, also resulted in numerous accidents and road closures along a 200-mile stretch of Interstate 80 in eastern Nebraska and Western Iowa. Accidents that took place Sunday on I-80 two-miles east of Shelby and another near Walnut, blocked traffic in both directions for hours. There were injuries reported, but none appeared to have been serious. The accident near Shelby involved several semis and cars. In Cass County, deputies worked to shuttle motorists to area hotels as quickly as possible. When the hotels became full, the Nishna Valley YMCA in Atlantic opened its doors as an emergency shelter. A person answering the phone this (Monday) morning at the Y, said 5 people sought shelter at the facility. All but one of them were still there as of 7:30-a.m., the other person left in their personal vehicle.

Several schools have cancelled or delayed the start of classes for today. For the latest road information, go to 511ia.org, or call 511. Outside of Iowa, call 1-800-288-1047.