Thu Mar 06 06:10:00 UTC 2025: **Multiple Pileups Shut Down Iowa Interstates Amid Blizzard Conditions**
DES MOINES, IA – Dangerous winter weather conditions caused multiple highway closures and pileups across Iowa on Wednesday, leaving at least nine people injured. The Iowa State Patrol reported responding to 68 crashes between 9 p.m. Tuesday and noon Wednesday, including two major pileups on Interstate 35 north of Des Moines.
One pileup on I-35 near Ankeny involved at least 15 vehicles and shut down northbound lanes. A separate incident on southbound I-35 near Huxley also involved numerous vehicles. Troopers also reported responding to a significant pileup on Interstate 80 westbound near Newton.
The Iowa State Patrol urged residents to stay home, warning that visibility was near zero in many areas and that travel was extremely hazardous. A state trooper’s vehicle was even struck during the response.
Strong winds, heavy snowfall, and blowing snow created blizzard conditions across the state, prompting the closure of several interstates and other roadways, including portions of I-80, Iowa Highways 44 and 141, and U.S. Highways 20, 6, and 59. The Iowa Department of Transportation reported completely ice-covered roads in some areas.
The state patrol stressed the life-threatening nature of the conditions and the risk to both drivers and first responders. While nine injuries were reported, no fatalities were confirmed. This echoes a deadly 2018 pileup in the same area involving an estimated 70 vehicles. Authorities continue to advise against travel until conditions improve. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected.
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