Dust off winter driving skills for impending overnight storm

Strong winds and light snow may cause some travel headaches for Iowans tonight into tomorrow, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT). Iowa DOT forecasts predict something Iowans have not seen in a while - gusty winds, cold temperatures and snow showers - that will require drivers to engage their winter driving skills.

“So far, the unseasonable temperatures and lack of snow have not provided much winter driving practice,” said Annette Dunn, Iowa DOT winter operations administrator. Iowa DOT forecasts predict a band of snow that is expected to slow and increase in intensity as it moves east tonight. On Thursday, the band of snow will stall across the east, while the central and west will see flurries and snow showers. The snow is expected to taper off in the east Thursday night. There is a potential for some areas of the east to see up to six inches of snow by late Thursday night. Much of the west will likely see less than an inch. A strong, gusty northwest wind will develop behind the front today and continue into Thursday night. Expect areas of blowing snow especially in the east tonight into Friday morning.

Because of the predicted high winds, visibility may become an issue. In addition, Dunn advises drivers to remain alert for unexpected slick spots. “With temperatures expected to drop significantly, there is a potential for snow to melt on the road then refreeze causing patches of ice," Dunn explained. "It can be difficult to tell the difference between ice and water on the pavement, so drivers need to slow down and exercise caution when precipitation is occurring.”

Winter driving tips from the Iowa DOT

• Fill your vehicle's gas tank. Before traveling in winter weather, always keep your vehicle's gas tank nearly full and make sure your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.
• Use your vehicle's safety equipment. Your vehicle's headlights are a valuable asset when driving in winter weather. Turn them on to see and be seen. Make sure you and your passengers are wearing their seat belts, and any children are in their child safety seats.
• Never use cruise control during winter weather. Your vehicle's cruise control sensors may not work properly if the tires are traveling on packed snow or ice. This can cause your vehicle to increase speed and increase the danger of a crash. 
• Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle. This kit should contain items to help sustain your life and the lives of your passengers should your vehicle become stranded. These items can include: booster cables, candles and matches, a flashlight with fresh batteries, extra blankets and warm clothes, nonperishable food items, a can for melting water, and a snow shovel. Sufficient supplies should be in the kit for all persons traveling in the vehicle.  
• Use caution when approaching or following a snowplow. Snowplows generally operate at much slower speeds than other traffic. Snowplows can be forced sideways when clearing hard-packed drifts and generate a "snow cloud" that may impair the vision of drivers in nearby vehicles. Remain a safe distance behind the snowplow, pass only when clear; and never continue to drive alongside a plow. Allow plenty of space when passing the snowplow because the wing of the plow blade extends out to the side of the truck. Do not cut back into the lane of traffic too closely in front of a snowplow truck because the blade also extends in front of the truck. Remember the slogans, “Ice and Snow …Take It Slow” and “Don't crowd the plow.”
• Check on the latest travel conditions. Visit www.511ia.org or call 511 (in Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide). You can also receive 511 traveler information via Twitter or text message. Visit the 511 website and click on the “Twitter” icon to select your desired Twitter feeds. Feeds are available for six Iowa metropolitan areas (Des Moines, Council Bluffs, Cedar Rapids/Iowa City, Quad Cities, Sioux City and Cedar Falls/Waterloo), each of the state's 99 counties, all traffic alerts and breaking news.