Plows pulled in Worth, Hancock, Winnebago Counties amid winter storm

(ABC 6 News) – Plows working in several counties are being pulled off of the roads throughout the rest of Saturday amid winter storm conditions, according to social media.

The snowplows are being pulled in several counties including Worth and Winnebago. Plows that work on secondary roads in Hancock County have also stopped working for the night.

Officials with Winnebago County indicated that “plows have been pulled for the day due to whiteout conditions”. It is unclear when they will resume work.

Officials with the Winnebago Sheriff’s Office say that deputies are reporting zero visibility due to blowing snow and drifts on the roads, especially in sheltered areas.

The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office also says that local tow companies are advising that they will not be going out until weather conditions and visibility improves for the safety of their tow drivers.

Winnebago County Sheriff Steve Hepperly writes on Facebook, “Our emergency services personnel have encountered many weather-related obstacles this storm when responding to legitimate emergency calls. Respectfully, please heed these conditions so we don’t have to unnecessarily utilize resources on a rescue or accident that didn’t need to occur in the first place.

According to a social media post, the plows in Worth County will not be back out clearing the roads until 6 a.m. on Sunday.

According to Hancock County Secondary Roads, plows will be working hard surface routes until 3 or 4 p.m. Saturday. Officials say the high winds and drifting areas are quickly filling back in and visibility remains poor. Plows will be back on Sunday starting at 5 a.m. to run hard surface routes and then gravel roads.

The public is advised to stay home and refrain from traveling in the area unless it is an emergency.

Worth County is under a blizzard warning until 6 p.m. Saturday evening, with a wind chill warning in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday to noon on Tuesday, according to the sheriff’s office.

Winds are gusting as high as 45 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

For the latest travel conditions, check the Iowa 511 app or dial 511.