Snow Plows and Tow Trucks Halted Amid Blizzard Conditions
A snow plow scrapes along Seventh Avenue in Marion Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2008. (Jeff Raasch/The Gazette)
By
Aaron Hepker
Story Created:
Dec 11, 2010 at 12:27 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Dec 11, 2010 at 7:44 PM CDT
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Several Eastern Iowa counties have issued a “tow-ban” and discontinued snow plow usage due to blizzard conditions across the state of Iowa.
Roadways covered with snow and ice caused several problems for local drivers, as many cars ended up in the ditch and along the roadway.
Until about 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, people were able to call a tow truck to get their cars out
"This is gold for us, a lot of money,” said Dan Schmidt of Hooker Towing. “And I'm excited to help people out."
But since then, many of the counties in Eastern Iowa have issued a "tow-ban” due to un-drivable conditions and a state-wide blizzard warning.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has also pulled snow plows in northwest Iowa because of dangerous road conditions, snow, and high winds gusting between 40 and 56 mph.
Stretches of Interstates 29 and 76 in Iowa have been closed due to blowing snow and related crashes. The State Department of Transportation says I-29 was shut down Saturday morning from Missouri Valley to Sioux City, along the state's western border, due to poor visibility that's contributed to several crashes. The department reports winds in that area were gusting 46-49 mph.
Travelers are advised that state roadways surrounding these areas will likely become impassable. It is illegal to enter a closed roadway and bypass a barricade. The fine for attempting or successfully going around a drop-arm barrier or an entrance ramp gate is $195 ($100 fine, plus $95 surcharges and court costs).
The Iowa D.O.T. says that travel will be very hazardous and emergency rescues could be impossible.
Snowplow operations will resume in the affected areas when visibility improves. For the latest road conditions call 511.
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