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6.5 inches of snow have fallen at the KNIA/KRLS studios. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports that area roadways are 100% snow covered. The Iowa Department of Transportation reports that most roadways in the state are snow covered and may be slick. They also report conditions continue to deteriorate, and that that whiteout conditions are occurring in many parts of the state. KNIA/KRLS News is receiving numerous reports of vehicles in ditches. Wind speeds are causing drifting, and visibility may be impacted by blowing snow. Marion County Sheriff Jason Sandholt tells KNIA/KRLS that he is discouraging travel this morning, and a county wide tow ban is now in effect.

County, city, and state plows continue in operation, but travel is discouraged.

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Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada says to avoid Attica Road in Knoxville, many cars are in ditches, and the roadway is impassable.

The Marion County secondary roads department says that they are proceeding with caution as they clear roads this morning, but conditions are difficult, and blowing snow is causing significant drifting. Area gravel roads may not be cleared completely until tomorrow.

There are intermittent power outages in parts of the County, KNIA/KRLS is running on auxillary power.

The Knoxville and Pella snow ordinances are in effect.

If you must travel this morning, take plenty of time to get to your destination, leave plenty of room between your vehicle and others, and give our first responders and road crews room to work. Local officials urge caution.

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The one to count on for severe weather and travel information is KNIA/KRLS