Iowa DOT ready for winter storm

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa Department of Transportation plow crews are ready for a winter storm Tuesday that could bring a lot of snow and some freezing rain across the state.

"Knowing when we should adjust our treatment practices based on the amount and type of precipitation that we're getting is really a challenge for the garages" says Iowa DOT Winter Operations Manager Craig Bargfrede.

He says they've already put down brine on a Iowa's highways and interstates.

"Once it does start snowing, that material will already be there, will be activated, and will be working. That will help us by preventing the snow from bonding to the pavement" Bargfrede says.

He says the widespread winter storm could affect the busiest drive-times all across Iowa.

"It's going to start at around the noon timeframe on Tuesday, and it will impact the afternoon commute pretty much statewide. We could also see some lingering effects for the Wednesday morning commute" Bargfrede says.

He says the best thing drivers can do during the winter storm is stay home if they don't have to go anywhere.

The National Weather Service will put a Winter Storm Warning into effect for much of West-Central, Central, Southern, Eastern, and Northeast Iowa from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through 12:00 p.m. Wednesday. They say widespread snows of 4" or more are anticipated, with an axis of heavier snowfall, possibly greater than 6" from central into east central Iowa.

There is a Winter Weather Advisory for far Western and Northwest Iowa, and a Winter Strom Watch in Southeast Iowa.


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