Des Moines, IA – The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Dense Fog Advisory and Wind Advisory covering much of central and northern Iowa, warning of dangerous travel conditions through early Wednesday morning as Thanksgiving travel ramps up.
The Dense Fog Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday, with visibility dropping below a quarter mile in areas from Des Moines and Ames north to Mason City and Algona. Drivers are urged to use headlights, slow down, and maintain extra distance, especially on Interstate 35 and Highway 20.
Following the fog, a Wind Advisory takes over Tuesday evening, lasting through Wednesday morning, with northwest winds of 25 to 30 mph and gusts up to 50 mph possible. These winds could down tree limbs, cause isolated power outages, and make driving difficult for trucks and high-profile vehicles on open stretches of highway.
The NWS warns that travel may be particularly hazardous overnight as wind gusts combine with leftover moisture and falling temperatures to create slick spots on bridges and overpasses.
Residents are encouraged to secure outdoor decorations and trash bins, monitor road conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve late Wednesday morning.
