The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a winter weather advisory for Marion County for snow, which is in effect until 9 am this morning.

Snow amounts of 2 to 5 inches of heavy wet snow is expected, with locally higher amounts possible in some locations, up to 6 inches. There will be strong north to northwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts over 30 mph. This may lead to visibility restrictions under one quarter of a mile at times.

Currently The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports that many roadways in the county are up to 100% snow/slush covered and slick. There are multiple reports of vehicles that have slid off of area roadways. Road conditions are worse in the southern part of the county, and the Iowa Department of Transportation reports that roadways in and leading to the Des Moines Metro area are 100% covered and that normal winter driving conditions exist.

Tom Wadle with the Marion County Secondary Roads Department tells KNIA/KRLS that county plows are in operation, and to please take your time to get to work this morning, and give our county crews and local first responders plenty of room to work.