Monday Blizzard forces I-35 closure

(Above) A Iowa State Trooper directs traffic forced to exit Interstate 35 Monday afternoon.  The Interstate was closed for the duration of a blizzard Monday.  I-35 re-opened at approximately 7:45 a.m. Tuesday. - Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.

For the second time in as many weeks, Clear Lake found itself in the midst of a blizzard.

This time the snowfall was limited— less than an inch Sunday night, but winds whipped up previous snowfall and made travel conditions hazardous Monday, Feb. 8.

In addition to the usual cancellation of schools and closing of some businesses, Monday’s storm forced the closure of Interstate 35, as well as the Avenue of the Saints west of Highway 65.

Southbound lanes of I-35 were closed between Clear Lake and Ames shortly after noon Monday.

Later the northbound lanes from Clear Lake were also closed.

The Iowa State Patrol said poor visibility contributed to a series of crashes Monday that led them to close a portion of Interstate 35, south of Clear Lake.

According to the Patrol, several minor accidents were reported.  In addition, a car rear ended a semi in the southbound lanes of I-35 between mile markers 151 and 159.  At least one of the drivers had to be extricated from a vehicle, leading to the road closure.

A tow ban was also in effect for the area.

Semis forced off of I-35 lined the highway after truck stops were filled. Parking lots at Wal-Mart, Kohl’s and Best Buy in western Mason City were also filled, leaving the overflow to fill Highway 122 shoulders.

Visibility was reported at zero in several locations across the area during the two-day blizzard warning.

The Interstate remained closed until approximately 7:45 a.m. Tuesday.