AMES, Iowa – March 10, 2013; 6 p.m. update – The northbound lanes of Interstate 29 in Harrison County, near exit 95 (Little Sioux), have reopened to traffic. One southbound lane in this same area remains closed at this time. Heavy snow and strong winds are still making travel hazardous along I-29 and I-80 in western Iowa, so motorists should continue to exercise caution and postpone their trip if possible.

Check road conditions by visiting http://www.511ia.org; calling 511 in Iowa or 800-288-1047 nationwide; or follow all of the traffic alerts and travel news on Twitter @iowadot or @statewideia511.

AMES, Iowa – March 10, 2013 – 6:35 p.m. update – Eastbound Interstate 80 between Shelby (exit 34) and Avoca (exit 40) in Pottawattamie County has reopened to traffic; however, the the westbound lanes remain closed. This segment of the interstate has been impacted by the high winds and snow, which contributed to several multiple vehicle crashes. The Iowa Department of Transportation and emergency response agencies are on the scene working to clear the incidents as quickly as possible, but several semi-tractor trailer units are involved which is making it difficult. There are multiple tow trucks on the scene. A detour remains in place for westbound travelers using U.S. 59 (exit 40) north, Iowa 44 west and Pottawattamie County Road M-16 south through Shelby.

Motorists who have been stuck in the traffic for several hours in the westbound lanes are now being redirected by law enforcement on the scene to the nearest exit and onto the detour route. Snow has been making its way eastward across the state and has now entered areas east of I-35. According to the Iowa DOT’s road weather information system, sustained winds of 20-30 mph are reported west of I-35, with gusts reaching 40 mph. Slick road conditions and limited visibility at times can be expected.

For Iowa road condition information, visit http://www.511ia.org; call 511 in Iowa or800-288-1047 nationwide; or visit Twitter @iowadot or @statewideia511. Use the hashtag #iatraffic when tweeting about this winter storm.

Area schools are delaying or cancelling classes altogether for Monday, March 11th, due to the snow storm. Please see the KJAN Cancellations page under Community Hub on our website.  Check back frequently, as the information will be updated as soon as it is received.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest Sunday, of 26-year old Megan D. Reynolds, of Clarinda. Reynolds was taken into custody on a warrant for unlawful possession of a prescription drug. She was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $1,000 bond.

March 10, 2013: 3:35 p.m. update – Iowa roadways are already being impacted by a major winter storm that is bringing with it very strong winds and heavy snow. Interstate 80 is presently blocked in both directions between exits 34 and 40 (Shelby to Avoca in Pottawattamie County) and I-29 northbound is blocked near exit 95 (Little Sioux in Harrison County). Both blockages are the result of multiple vehicle crashes. Another accident near the Cass Pottawattamie County line has traffic blocked in both directions.

Interstate travelers should be advised that westbound Interstate 80 in Nebraska is also closed at Lincoln, Nebr., mile marker 395.

Several winter storm warnings have been issued that affect a majority of counties in Iowa, except for the far southeast corner of the state. This storm is not expected to exit Iowa until sometime Monday morning or early afternoon. Predicted snow totals vary by location, but range from as little as 4 inches to as much as 10 inches. With this event, the wind will play a significant factor, regardless of snow totals.

The Iowa Department of Transportation’s road weather information system is reporting increasing wind speeds as the front moves eastward. West central Iowa is presently reporting wind gusts in excess of 40 mph, causing hazardous travel conditions when combined with the heavy snow.

For the latest Iowa road condition information visit http://www.511ia.org/; call 511 in Iowa or 800-288-1047 nationwide; or follow the Iowa DOT on Twitter @iowadot or @statewideia511. Be sure to use the hashtag #iatraffic in your posts.

Interstate 80 near the Cass/Pottawattamie County line is now reported to be blocked in both directions due to a multi-vehicle accident. (as of 4:12-p.m.) Between mile-markers 50-and 51.