Officials urge safety during winter storm advisory

Local governments are declaring winter storm warnings as snowfall begins to mount across Eastern Iowa.

Linn County

The Cedar Rapids Police Department have issued an alert that all of Linn County is now under a tow ban until further notice. This means that unless you are broken down or in an accident that is blocking traffic, you will not be able to gain access to a tow truck. Please drive with caution and avoid the roads if at all possible.

Winter Weather Advisory

The National Weather Service has announced a winter weather advisory that will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Friday.

The advisory has been issued for the counties of Benton, Linn, Iowa and Johnson.

A total of four to six inches are expected.

'The heavier amounts will likely be focused on the Highway 30 and Interstate 80 corridors, where snowfall rates of an inch or more per hour will lead to rapid accumulation and very poor visibility for the evening commute,” according to the advisory.

Cedar Rapids

The city of Cedar Rapids declared a snow emergency to go from 3 p.m. Friday to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Residents are asked to remove cars from emergency snow routes and vehicles in violation will be subject to a fine or be towed.

Residents are asked to park on the odd numbered side of the street on odd calendar days and the even numbered side on even days, according to a city news release. That means the odd side on Friday and the even side Saturday.

Text alerts can be signed up for at CityofCR.com/Subscribe

Cedar Rapids police

On Friday, the Cedar Rapids Police Department issued a winter storm warning through 9 p.m.

Heavy snow is expected to make travel difficult, including the evening commute, and create reduced visibility with snow anticipated to reach accumulations between four and six inches, according to a department release.

While travel is not advised during a winter storm, police encourage motorists taking to the roads to pack a flashlight, food and water in their vehicle.

Road conditions are available at 511 for the Iowa Department of Transportation's road conditions line.

Police responded to 42 incidents or road hazards - such as stuck vehicles - during Thursday's snow event.

North Liberty

North Liberty's winter storm warning is in effect from midnight Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday, a city release states.

Parking on streets is not permitted until the emergency has been lifted, as crews attempt to clear roads.

Drivers are urged to avoid travel if possible.

Vehicles in violation of the ordinance may be ticketed and towed without notice.

Tiffin

The city of Tiffin issued a snow emergency from noon Friday until noon Saturday.

Residents are asked to remove vehicles from snow routes. Vehicles in violation will be towed at the owner's expense.

l Comments: (319) 339-3175; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com