Major blizzard/wind storm impacting Belle Plaine and Benton County
Key Questions
What roads are currently closed due to storm recovery in Belle Plaine and Benton County?
Campbell Avenue is closed between Thomas St and Sherman Ave for sewer cleaning, with a detour onto Sheridan Ave. North 2nd Street between Elm St and Oak St remains closed due to a tree down. County Road 251 is closed from Holly Avenue to County Road 250, and other areas like CR64 and Island Park are affected.
What severe weather is forecasted for North Iowa and SE Minnesota?
KIMT reports three shortwaves bringing rainy and stormy conditions Saturday through Monday, with 1-2 inches of rain, hail, high winds, and possible tornadoes. Prior events included KCRG/NWS floods and Level 3 supercells. Monitor NWS for updates.
When is the deadline for farmers to apply for USDA bridge payments?
The USDA deadline for farmers to apply for bridge payments is approaching April 17. This relates to storm damage recovery in Northwest Iowa.
What safety measures are in place for distracted driving?
Iowa law enforcement is cracking down during Distracted Driving Awareness Week in April, with over 2,400 hands-free citations issued this year. Iowa State Trooper Kevin Krull emphasized awareness.
What precautions does Iowa DOT recommend at rural railroad crossings?
During planting season, DOT urges caution as farmers increase activity near tracks. This is critical with warming weather.
Are there any park closures due to flooding?
Park amenities in affected areas are closed due to flooding, as per public notices. Island Park is among monitored sites.
How many snow plows does the Iowa DOT have?
The Iowa DOT has approximately 900 snow plows, as mentioned in the First Alert Forecast.
Where can residents monitor storm recovery and road updates?
Check NWS, DOT, 511, City websites, BOS, food/burn/bridges/PWA/parks/ISU for updates on closures and recovery from the March 14-16 blizzard/wind storm.
Mar14–16 recovery ongoing: Campbell Ave closed (sewer), CR64/CR251/N2nd/Island Park; KIMT Sat-Mon severe (1-2in rain/hail/winds/tornadoes N IA); prior KCRG/NWS floods/supercells Level3; USDA bridges Apr17; DOT rail; Distracted Driving crackdown. Monitor NWS/DOT/511/City/BOS/food/burn/bridges/PWA/parks/ISU.