(Spirit Lake)– A massive winter storm has dumped 18 inches of snow on the Iowa Great Lakes.
The storm extended itself over several days…beginning Wednesday and continuing through Christmas Day.
State, county and city snow plow crews are out this (Saturday) morning, but officials say the progress in many instances is slow due simply to the sheer volume of the snow. They say it could be days before some gravel roads in rural areas are re-opened.
Roads that have been plowed, including main highways, remain 100 percent snow and ice-covered, and there may be areas of one-lane travel.
Those travelling in towns are advised to use extra caution as visibility at many intersections is limited due to very high piles of snow.
Officials with the National Weather Service say at long last the storm is finally loosening its grip on the area, with only light snow or flurries expected today (Saturday) and tonight (Saturday). Any additional accumulations should be one to two inches.
The storm is being described by many long-time residents as being the worst in more than 20 years.
