The Winter Storm that caught many motorists by surprise and left many stranded and seeking shelter, also resulted in numerous accidents and road closures. As of 3-a.m. Monday, the Iowa Department of Transportation said roads along and south of Interstate 80 were completely covered with snow and/or ice. North of I-80, Highway 59, from Harlan all the way north of Highway 20, was completely impassable and whiteout conditions were being experienced. Travel was not advised on Highway 30, between Interstate 29 half-way to Denison, and the road was impassable from the intersection of Highway 37 northeast to Denison. Travel was not advised on I-29 from I-80 to near Sioux City.

Earlier accidents on I-80 two-miles east of Shelby and another near Walnut, blocked traffic in both directions for hours, Sunday. 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. There was no word early Monday morning on how many motorists were being housed there.

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.