Iowa drivers woke up this Monday, March 16, 2026, to one of the most dangerous travel situations the state has seen this winter season. The Iowa DOT road conditions map is showing a grim picture — major interstates shut down, blizzard warnings still in effect across vast portions of the state, and a clear message from officials: stay home.
If you are planning to drive anywhere in Iowa today, stop and read this first.
A Blizzard Swept Iowa on Sunday — And the Fallout Continues Monday Morning
A powerful blizzard moved through Iowa on Sunday, March 15, turning highways into ice traps and leaving hundreds of drivers stranded across the state. The Iowa Department of Transportation and Iowa State Patrol issued a sweeping series of roadway closures and travel advisories throughout the afternoon and evening as conditions deteriorated faster than many residents anticipated.
Rain arrived first, coating road surfaces with a thin layer of moisture. Then heavy snow and blizzard-force winds moved in quickly behind it, transforming wet pavement into sheets of ice. Within hours, some of Iowa’s most-traveled highways became completely impassable.
👉 Bookmark 511ia.org right now — it is the fastest way to get live Iowa road updates before you head out.
Interstate 35 Shut Down From Ames to the Minnesota Border
One of the most significant closures happened on Interstate 35, which was shut down in all lanes and in both directions from U.S. 30 at Ames north to the Minnesota state line. The closure took effect at 3 p.m. Sunday due to potential whiteout conditions and dangerous high winds that made visibility nearly impossible.
For thousands of commercial truck drivers who rely on I-35 as a north-south freight corridor through the Midwest, this closure created an immediate need for shelter and fuel. Officials advised all motorists on I-35 to seek services in the Ames and Clear Lake/Mason City areas, and encouraged truckers specifically to look for parking in the greater Des Moines area, since facilities near Ames were expected to fill up fast.
Interstate 80 Closures Stretch Across the State
Interstate 80 — the backbone of east-west travel across Iowa — also saw major closures on Sunday. The Iowa DOT first shut down I-80 from mile marker 8 near Council Bluffs all the way to the Jordan Creek Parkway exit at mile marker 121 in West Des Moines. Then, as conditions worsened into the evening, officials extended closures on the eastern end, shutting down all lanes from mile marker 142 near Altoona in the Des Moines metro all the way to mile marker 237 near Tiffin in the Coralville/Iowa City area.
Officials described road conditions along this stretch as “treacherous,” and law enforcement was actively responding to multiple crashes and incidents throughout the evening.
Drivers on I-80 were urged to seek shelter in Council Bluffs, Des Moines, or the Iowa City/Coralville area and to avoid attempting to push through on back roads, which officials warned were equally hazardous and offered far fewer services.
The Saylorville Mile Long Bridge Also Closed
Earlier in the afternoon, the Iowa DOT shut down the IA 415 Saylorville Mile Long Bridge in Polk County due to dangerously high winds. That closure went into effect at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. The bridge, which sits exposed over the Saylorville Lake reservoir near Polk City, is particularly vulnerable during high-wind events and has been closed for wind-related reasons in the past.
Travel Not Advised Across the Majority of Iowa
A “Travel Not Advised” alert expanded throughout Sunday to cover a majority of counties across the entire state — not just the northern portions. The northeast quadrant of Iowa drew the greatest concern from officials, but drivers statewide were urged to delay any non-essential travel.
Officials were also clear that taking alternate non-freeway routes was not a safe solution. Back roads in affected areas were described as equally dangerous and offered little to no access to shelter, fuel, or emergency services.
High-Profile Vehicles Face Extra Risk
Truckers, RV drivers, and anyone operating a vehicle with a high profile need to take the current situation especially seriously. High-profile vehicles are at elevated risk in the kinds of high-wind scenarios sweeping Iowa right now. Transportation officials are advising these drivers to reduce speed, increase following distances, and seriously consider delaying travel altogether until conditions improve.
Iowa officials also noted they are working in close coordination with transportation authorities in both Minnesota and South Dakota, since closures and advisories in neighboring states directly affect traffic flowing into and out of Iowa.
Construction Closures Add Another Layer This Week
On top of the storm-related closures, Iowa drivers need to be aware of planned overnight construction work on northbound I-35 and eastbound I-80 between the Southwest Mixmaster and Iowa 141. Starting tonight, March 16, and running through March 20, those lanes will be closed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. each night. The work is part of a pavement reconstruction and bridge replacement project near the U.S. 6/Hickman Road interchange in Grimes.
Drivers should factor both the storm-related disruptions and this scheduled construction work into all travel plans throughout the week.
When Will Roads Reopen?
No specific reopening timeline has been given. Iowa DOT crews need time not only to clear snow and ice from the pavement but also to coordinate with law enforcement to remove any stranded vehicles before lanes can safely reopen. Monday’s clearing operations will be critical, but the situation remains fluid and depends heavily on wind conditions.
The Iowa DOT is urging all drivers to slow down, increase spacing between vehicles, and hold off on any travel that is not absolutely necessary. Real-time Iowa DOT road conditions are available through the 511IA system by visiting 511ia.org, calling 511 from within Iowa, or dialing 800-288-1047 from anywhere in the country. A free mobile app is also available for live updates on the go.
This storm is not over for Iowa roads. Stay informed, stay patient, and let the crews do their work.
👉 Check 511ia.org before every drive today — conditions can change quickly, and staying updated could keep you and your family safe.
Have you been impacted by road closures or the storm in your part of Iowa? Share your experience in the comments below and help other drivers know what to expect on the roads today.
