The wider picture
Blizzard conditions are forcing major highway closures and prompting travel warnings across parts of Iowa. As of March 15, 2026, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) has reported significant disruptions on major interstates due to treacherous weather conditions.
Interstate 80 is closed in both directions from mile marker 8 near Council Bluffs to the Jordan Creek Parkway exit at mile marker 121 in West Des Moines. Similarly, Interstate 35 is also closed in both directions from U.S. Highway 30 in Ames to the Minnesota state line, primarily due to high winds and whiteout conditions that have made travel extremely dangerous.
In addition to these closures, the Iowa DOT has shut down the IA 415 Mile Long Bridge over Saylorville Lake due to high winds. A ‘Travel Not Advised’ alert has been issued for all state roadways north of U.S. 30, indicating that conditions are likely to worsen as the blizzard continues.
Travelers in the affected regions are advised to seek shelter and stay in place until conditions improve. Jasper County Sheriff Brad Shutts emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “There is zero visibility and the Iowa DOT will be pulling plows at 11:00 p.m. after gates are all closed.” This indicates that road maintenance efforts will be halted as conditions deteriorate.
Blizzard conditions are expected to persist with strong wind gusts reaching 55-60 mph, causing significant blowing and drifting of snow. Visibility is severely reduced, with whiteout conditions occurring at times, especially in rural areas. Officials are urging that travel should be restricted to emergencies only during this period.
The Iowa State Patrol and local emergency management agencies, including the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Story County Emergency Management, are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating responses to ensure public safety. They have reiterated the importance of heeding travel advisories and staying off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact duration of the road closures and the specific time when conditions will improve. However, the blizzard warning is currently set to expire at 7 AM CDT, and officials will continue to assess the situation as it develops.
