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The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports that paved roads in the county range from clear to 100% snow and ice covered and slick. Gravel roads in the county remain snow and ice covered and slick. Drifting snow is causing road hazards, and some roads in the county have been reduced to one lane. Sheriff Ron Goemaat has has lifted the tow ban in the county. Sheriff Ron Goemaat is encouraging rural residents to stay home this morning until the snow plows have cleared their roadways. There are a number of travelers on rural roads who have become stranded this morning. Again, if you live in a rural area, please stay home until plows have passed.

The Iowa DOT is advising against travel west of Highway 14 to Des Moines and throughout the western half of the state. They also are not recommending travel north of Monroe throughout much of the northern half of the state. Snowplows have been pulled from U.S. 63 from New Sharon south to Iowa 92 in Oskaloosa and the highway is considered impassable.

If you must drive, please take extra time to get to your destination, leave plenty of room behind the vehicle in front of you, and drive with caution.