With the blizzard conditions throughout the state of Iowa, several experts in Dallas County cautions people about leaving their homes.

According to the National Weather Service, the blustery conditions along with wind gusts between 50-65 miles per hour are expected to last into the afternoon for most of the state. Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante tells Raccoon Valley Radio that Highway 44 from west of Highway 169 is closed as well as the entire way of Interstate 80. He’s reporting that there are many vehicles and semi-trailers in most of the ditches throughout Dallas County. 

Infante adds that many power lines are down and blocking several roadways and stresses that if you choose to go out in these conditions and happen to end up in a ditch, there’s a slight chance that the sheriff’s office will be able to reach you, especially in a timely manner.

According to Dallas County Engineer Al Miller, there will be blowing snow for most of the day and that the biggest challenge he’s finding is that there’s zero visibility. He explains that the rain that came yesterday mixed with the snow today is causing the roads to be slick. Miller strongly advises against travel until later this afternoon. 

Perry Public Works Director Josh Wuebker states that the roads within the city limits are pretty horrible, but city officials are working hard. He mentions that they are without three employees as they live in the rural part of town and had trouble coming in with the blustery wind. Wuebker details that parking lots and alleys in Perry are closed until tomorrow. He confirms that there were vehicles stuck on 16th Street and a snow plow was even trapped on West 5th Street. Wuebker, too, alerts people to stay home.

The City of Perry asks residents to not park on the street, so that snow removal operations can perform at a much smoother rate. Marketing and Engagement Coordinator Chris Cohea notes that sanitation crews are doing commercial routes, but the Landfill is closed due to the weather. He acknowledges that plows will return back to all side streets once the winds begin to mitigate, with alleys and cul-de-sacs being the last pavement to be attended to.

The Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives share that 146 people are without power in Dallas County. With that, the Xenia Rural Water District is asking customers to conserve as much water as possible. KDLS 94.3/99.7 FM and 1310 AM is running on auxiliary power. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.