A powerful winter storm is creating extremely dangerous travel conditions across the state. The Iowa Blizzard has forced officials to shut down major highways, including long sections of Interstate 80 and Interstate 35, as visibility drops and heavy snow continues to accumulate.
Authorities say the Iowa Blizzard is producing whiteout conditions, strong winds, and icy roads that make travel nearly impossible. Because of these severe conditions, emergency officials are urging residents and travelers to stay off the roads until the Iowa Blizzard passes and it is safe to resume travel.
Iowa Blizzard Forces Interstate 80 Shutdown
The worsening Iowa Blizzard has led officials to close more portions of Interstate 80 (I-80) across the state.
Shortly before 9 p.m., the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office announced that I-80 would close in both directions between Altoona and Coralville. Officials warned that the closure could continue expanding eastward toward the Illinois border, which would effectively shut down I-80 across the entire state.
Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts explained the seriousness of the situation, noting that the Iowa Blizzard has reduced visibility to nearly zero.
According to Shutts, snowplow crews will stop operating around 11:00 p.m. once highway gates are fully closed. Snow removal will only restart when the Iowa Blizzard conditions improve enough for crews to work safely.
Authorities strongly advised drivers to remain where they are and avoid attempting to travel, especially on smaller secondary roads where conditions are even more hazardous during the Iowa Blizzard.
Earlier Closures on I-80 Due to Blizzard Conditions
Before the full shutdown expansion, officials had already closed a large section of Interstate 80 earlier Sunday evening.
As of 6:30 p.m., both eastbound and westbound lanes were shut down between:
| Location | Mile Marker |
|---|---|
| Near Council Bluffs | Mile Marker 8 |
| West Des Moines (Jordan Creek Parkway Exit) | Mile Marker 121 |
Transportation officials cited multiple crashes and extremely dangerous driving conditions caused by the Iowa Blizzard, including icy pavement, blowing snow, and whiteout visibility.
Interstate 35 Closed North of Ames
The Iowa Blizzard has also forced officials to close another major highway: Interstate 35.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Iowa State Patrol announced that I-35 would be closed in both directions from U.S. Highway 30 in Ames all the way to the Minnesota state line.
This closure began at 3 p.m. Sunday as powerful winds and blizzard conditions intensified across northern Iowa.
Officials said the Iowa Blizzard created dangerous whiteout conditions that made travel impossible, particularly for larger vehicles.
Additional Road Closures Due to Strong Winds
High winds linked to the Iowa Blizzard have also caused closures on other important roadways.
One of the most notable closures is the Iowa Highway 415 Mile Long Bridge, which crosses Saylorville Lake in Polk County. Authorities shut down the bridge due to strong gusts that made crossing unsafe.
Officials warn that large vehicles such as:
- Semi-trucks
- Trailers
- Recreational vehicles
are especially vulnerable during the Iowa Blizzard, as strong winds can push vehicles off course.
Drivers are advised to slow down, maintain greater distance from other vehicles, and postpone travel if possible.
Travel Warning Issued Across Northern Iowa
Due to worsening conditions, authorities issued a “Travel Not Advised” alert for all state roadways north of U.S. Highway 30.
The warning is particularly focused on the northeastern quadrant of Iowa, where the Iowa Blizzard is expected to produce the most severe conditions.
Officials say earlier rainfall froze on roadways before heavy snow arrived, creating a dangerous layer of ice underneath fresh snowfall.
The combination of:
- Ice-covered roads
- Blowing snow
- Strong winds
- Heavy snowfall
has made many routes extremely difficult or impossible to drive during the Iowa Blizzard.
Shelter and Assistance for Stranded Travelers
Authorities are urging travelers currently on the road to find shelter and avoid continuing their journey during the Iowa Blizzard.
Drivers traveling through Iowa on Interstate 35 are advised to stop in nearby cities such as:
- Ames
- Clear Lake
- Mason City
These locations offer food, fuel, and lodging for travelers waiting out the storm.
Additionally, Story County Emergency Management has shared information on available hotels and a Red Cross shelter for stranded motorists near Ames through its social media channels.
Officials Warn Against Using Alternate Routes
Transportation officials are warning drivers not to attempt alternate routes around the interstate closures.
Secondary roads and rural highways are often even more dangerous during the Iowa Blizzard, as they receive less frequent snow removal and may have limited services nearby.
Even after snowfall stops, it may take time for crews to:
- Clear snow and ice
- Remove stranded vehicles
- Restore safe travel conditions
The Iowa Blizzard closures will remain in place until authorities determine the roads are safe for drivers.
How to Check Current Road Conditions
Motorists are encouraged to stay informed about the Iowa Blizzard and road conditions through official transportation resources.
Drivers can check updates by:
- Visiting 511ia.org
- Calling 511 from within Iowa
These services provide real-time updates on road closures, weather conditions, and travel advisories related to the ongoing Iowa Blizzard.
The ongoing Iowa Blizzard has created extremely dangerous travel conditions across the state, forcing widespread highway closures and emergency warnings. Major routes such as Interstate 80 and Interstate 35 remain shut down in several areas due to whiteout visibility, strong winds, and icy roads.
Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads, seek shelter if stranded, and wait until conditions improve before attempting to travel again. As snowplow operations pause and emergency crews work to manage the storm’s impact, safety remains the top priority until the Iowa Blizzard subsides and highways can safely reopen.