Temperature drop will make Eastern Iowa roads icy

The Iowa Department of Transportation is reporting several highways in western Iowa remain impassable due to drifted snow. Large drifts will prolong reopening of some roads. Roads in western Iowa are not likely to improve much today as more snow and high winds are expected.

A major change in air and pavement temperatures has also started as cold air pushes from the south to the north through the eastern half of the state. This unusual winter occurrence can cause sudden, unexpected changes in pavement conditions from wet to icy. Precipitation will switch from rain to ice to snow. Air temperatures earlier today were in the mid 30s to as high as 40 F in southeast Iowa. Temperatures in these same areas quickly dropped to the teens. Accompanying winds are gusting to as high as 30 mph.

Travel is currently not advised on the majority of roadways in the western one-half of the state, as well as some roads in central Iowa (Des Moines area included). Snow is continuing to fall in these areas, and air and pavement temperatures are below freezing. This includes portions of Interstates 29, 35, 80, 235, and 680. Towing services are prohibited.

The following roadways are currently known to be impassable due to drifting; other roadways, especially rural county roads may be blocked as well.

• U.S. 6 from I-80 to Iowa 48 (Griswold) [This section will remain closed until large snow blowers are able to cut through the drifts.]

• Iowa 44 from U.S. 59 (Harlan) to U.S. 30 (5 miles south of Woodbine)

• Iowa 44 from Iowa 173 (Kimballton) to U.S. 71 (Hamlin)

• Iowa 83 from U.S. 71 (Atlantic) to U.S. 59 (Avoca)

• Iowa 141 from Iowa 175 (Mapleton) to Ute [This section will remain closed until at least Saturday due to the amount of snow blocking the roadway.]

• Iowa 275 from Missouri border to U.S. 34

The following major roadways are reduced to one lane of travel.

• U.S. 20 westbound from Moville to Sioux City

• U.S. 75, one lane in both directions from Sioux City to Merrill

• Iowa 3 from 3 miles east of Akron to U.S. 75 (Le Mars)