Iowa DOT: Travel ‘strongly discouraged’ in northwest Iowa counties

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Multiple road closures on state and federal highways have authorities urging drivers to skip inessential travel.

Widespread flooding of rivers and streams in northwest Iowa has caused major highways to become blocked by the rising waters, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Officials said that travel was strongly discouraged due to the potentially dangerous conditions in Lyon, Sioux, O’Brien, Clay, Emmet, Dickinson, and Plymouth Counties.

Drivers should check local road conditions before venturing out. If a roadway is flooded, do not drive through it and find another way around. Several inches of flowing water is enough to lift a vehicle and carry it, potentially putting you in danger. Remember the saying: Turn around, don’t drown.

Broad portions of northwest Iowa, southeast South Dakota, and southern Minnesota are under Flood Warnings after 8 to 16 inches of rain fell over the last few days. No new rainfall is expected through Monday.

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