Motorists faced with strong winds creating blizzard conditions

Despite only additional light snow accumulations, very strong winds are creating localized blizzard conditions.  Open areas will be the most susceptible to extreme blowing snow.

Whiteout conditions with visibility less than 100 feet have been reported in parts of Linn and Benton Counties, causing traffic accidents and significant slow-downs.  These conditions will occur from time to time in any open area, causing roads to become snow-covered and dangerous to drive on.

The Iowa State Patrol is not recommending travel on virtually all interstates and highways in eastern Iowa.  It is likely that some rural roads will become nearly impassable because of very low visibility and snow-cover.

Sustained winds of 25 to 35 mph are likely with occasional gusts of 40 to 50 mph will continue through the evening hours, which will lead to continuous blowing snow on area roadways.  High winds and cold temperatures may cause ice to form on roads as well.  If you must travel through the evening, use extreme caution, leave plenty of extra time to reach your destination, and call ahead.

View the road conditions map |  KCRG-TV9 Weather Water Cooler Blog

Whiteout conditions on I-380

Cedar Rapids police report whiteout conditions on I-380 between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

Linn County roads

The Linn County secondary road department will have crews on paved roads until 6 p.m. tonight, said department head Steve Gannon.

Blowing snow is making for snow and ice pack currently. Wind and temperature are allowing snow to stick to road surfaces. Drivers should use caution and reduce speed.

Travel may become more difficult as secondary crews stop at 6 pm. Crews will be responding to emergencies after 6 p.m.  Crews are currently assisting with a crash near the intersection of County Home Road and Alburnett Road.

Fatal crash reported on I-80 in Iowa County

The Iowa State Patrol confirms a van and a semi collided on Interstate 80 around the 207 mile marker and that one person was killed.

No other information is available.

Highway 218 closed

The Iowa State Patrol says Hwy. 218 is impassable from Vinton to Hwy. 30 in Benton County because of numerous accidents and poor visibility.

Cedar Rapids police say slow down

As of 3 p.m. today, police have handled 40 accidents in the city, but none resulted in serious injury, Sgt. Joe Clark said.

“We expect that number to climb during the evening commute,” he said. “We're hoping people slow down.”

Hospital emergency rooms also are treating a number of people who have fallen on the ice.