With the winter storm happening today, tow services are something motorists depend on if they are stranded on the side of the road.

Already this year, Greene County has had a tow ban as well as towing services not advised. Greene County Sheriff Jack Williams explains the difference between the two.

“Tow services not advised (means) if the tow truck driver wants to go and tow, he can go and tow. If it’s a tow ban, then there’s no towing at all.”

Williams points out that Iowa State Patrol typically issues tow services not advised, but if it gets bad enough outside, he usually issues a tow ban.

“If it’s bad enough that you are leaving it up to the decision of a tow truck driver to decide whether it’s safe or not, we have the public as a whole to determine if it’s safe or not, so we just do tow bans.” 

Williams adds, any deputy, Jefferson Police Officer, as well as the State Patrol can issue either precaution for tow services during a winter weather event.