Iowa DOT Announces Road Closures Due to Blizzard Conditions

(Ames) The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Iowa State Patrol (ISP) are announcing a series of roadway closures and travel advisories due to the blizzard and other winter driving conditions on Sunday, March 15.  The combination of prior rain on freezing pavements, heavy snow, and blizzard / whiteout conditions will make many roadways impassable.

Closures: Iowa officials will close all lanes in both directions of I-35 from U.S. 30 at Ames north to the Minnesota state line starting at 3:00 PM central time due to high winds and whiteout conditions.  Iowa DOT will close the IA 415 / Saylorville Mile Long Bridge in Polk County at 2:00 PM central time due to high winds.

Iowa officials have issued a “Travel Not Advised” alert for all state roadways north of U.S. 30 and especially in the northeast quadrant of the state due to likely blizzard conditions. High-profile vehicles such as trucks, trailers, and recreational vehicles should use extreme caution while driving in high winds.  Drivers should reduce speed, increase following distances, and consider delaying travel.  Iowa officials anticipate high winds across the state, regardless of whether there is precipitation.

Iowa officials are also working closely with Minnesota and South Dakota officials, as closures and advisories in those states can impact travel to and from Iowa.

Travelers in the affected regions are advised to seek shelter and stay-in-place. Iowa residents are encouraged to stay home and delay travel until roadways reopen and it is safe to travel. Motorists traveling through Iowa on I-35 are advised to seek shelter and traveler services such as food, lodging, and fuel in the Ames and Clear Lake / Mason City areas.