Roads Are Improving After Draco, But Holiday Travelers Warned of Icy Spots and Perilous Travel

Draco’s wintery blast is making travel difficult today as Johnston residents and Iowans prepare for a long four-day holiday weekend and is still not advised in much of eastern Iowa.

Elsewhere, roads are partially or completely snow-packed, but passable, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Meanwhile, 35 Johnston customers are without power in 15 locations, according to MidAmerican Energy Co., which said in a statement it expects to make significant progress in restoring power today, the Des Moines Register reported.

Public safety officials are advising holiday travelers that if they can delay their trips until the weekend, they should. Conditions are improving, but remain icy, according to a statement from Iowa Department of Transportation.

Interstate 35 from Ames to Mason City has reopened. Witnesses are reporting that traffic is backed up at the Interstate 35/Interstate 80 mixmaster this morning.

In its morning update, the DOT advised travelers to check Iowa’s 511 travel information before making their trip. Call (800) 288-1047 nationwide or 511 within Iowa, or visit the web site.

Primary travel concerns this morning are focused in eastern Iowa, according to the statement. A National Weather Service winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. in the counties of Buchanan, Delaware, Dubuque, Benton, Linn, Jones, Jackson, Iowa, Johnson, Cedar, Clinton, Muscatine, Scott, Keokuk, Washington, Louisa, Jefferson, Henry, Des Moines, Van Buren and Lee counties.

Considerable blowing and drifting snow will continue to make travel hazardous in this area until mid morning. Northwest winds will be sustained at 20 to 30 mph, with some gusts near 40 mph.

Visibility to one mile or less can be expected in open, rural areas.
Iowa DOT crews are out this morning trying to restore travel to normal winter driving conditions and open blocked roads as quickly as possible. Conditions should continue to improve throughout the day.

In Johnston , the Des Moines Register reported that crews were on the roads at 3:30 a.m.  Drivers could expect a slick commute for the first part of Friday.

Road clearing was hampered on  Thursday because of abandoned cars.