Fast-moving storm brings more ice to area
Several accidents reported in Fort Dodge, WebsterCountyBy EMILIE NELSON, Messenger staff writer
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It was man versus weather on Saturday afternoon as another fast moving winter storm made its way across the state.
The system brought just enough ice and freezing drizzle to the area to make travel difficult, resulting in a number of automobile accidents, both in Fort Dodge and throughout Webster County.
An accident on County Road P59 at approximately 1 p.m. was the first of several weather-related crashes to take place when a southbound vehicle lost control on the icy road, crossing the center line and crashing into a northbound vehicle, sending one motorist to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries. A two-vehicle crash occurred at the intersection of First Avenue South and South Eight Street late Saturday afternoon, damaging both vehicles and taking out a street lamp post. Two single-car accidents occurred near the intersection of U.S. Highway 169 and state Highway 175 near Harcourt Saturday evening. The first crash, a vehicle rollover in which the driver was able to walk away uninjured, resulted in a fuel leak. The Southwest Webster-Gowrie Ambulance was called to a second crash in the same area approximately 30 minutes later.
"So far today, we have responded to four accidents around town," said Lt. Matt Wilson of the Fort Dodge Police Department. "But that is just accidents that have occurred in Fort Dodge."
The Iowa Department of Transportation reported that U.S. Highway 20 was completely ice covered with travel deemed "extremely difficult" from the Calhoun County line to Dubuque. Travel was not recommended on areas of Interstate 35 in Hamilton County, and towing was prohibited throughout the area for any vehicles that may have gone off the road.
"This has been a pretty quick system of low pressure," said Steve Teachout, a spokesman for the National Weather Service in Des Moines. "It moved very quickly to the east across Missouri, resulting in the icy conditions for Iowa."
High temperatures should remain in the mid-20s this week with no ice or snow in the forecast through Friday.
Contact Emilie Nelson at 573-2141 or enelson@messengernews.net
