Iowa weather: Des Moines police respond to more than 100 crashes Monday morning
Update 3:30 p.m.: The Iowa State Patrol says between midnight at noon on Monday, troopers responded to 87 crashes statewide.
Of those 87 crashes, 77 included property damage, nine had injuries and one included fatalities.
Troopers also responded to 54 calls to assist motorists.
Update: 11:45 a.m.: Central Iowa drivers struggled to navigate snowy roads Monday morning.
In the area's first measurable of the winter, Des Moines police officers were called to more than 100 crashes. At least an inch of snow fell across the metro leaving most roads completely covered during the morning commute.
According to a news release from DMPD, they responded to 112 crashes and dozens of stalled and stuck vehicles between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. Monday.
That includes six with minor injuries and seven hit-and-run crashes.
"Officers on the streets reported an alarming number of crashes involving vehicles approaching crash scenes where emergency vehicles were on site," DMPD's relase said. "If you see emergency vehicles, slow down, move over if possible and pass with caution."
Update, 10:00 a.m.: The Department of Transportation is reporting several multi-vehicle crashes along 35/80. In Urbandale near Northwest 100th Street in the eastbound lanes, a crash is causing a delay. Further east along I-80, a secondary multi-vehicle crash is being reported near Northwest 86th street, creating a delay in the westbound and eastbound lanes. First responders are also addressing a third crash further east between the Des Moines River Bridge and IA 415.
Update, 8:15 a.m.: A Des Moines police spokesperson says officers are currently working on 15 crash investigations with 20 more holding. Officers responding to crashes say they're seeing additional crashes happening at scenes where first-responders are present.
"If you see emergency vehicles, slow down, move over if possible, and pass with caution," .
Previously:
Interstate 80/35 westbound near Northwest 86th Street in Urbandale had a significant back-up after a crash that blocked the left lane in that area around 6:30 a.m. All lanes in this area reopened around 8:15 a.m.
"Please slow down, give each other a little extra space, and don't drive distracted," Des Moines police posted in its app, reminding drivers to be careful on snow-covered roads.
Other crashes reported include I-80 westbound at US Highway 65 near Altoona, I-80 eastbound at US Highway 65 and US 65 southbound near Iowa Highway 5.
Around 7 a.m., DMPD said Park Avenue westbound at 56th was blocked by two stalled semi-trucks. Around 7:30 a.m. police said westbound Park Avenue was temporarily closed, with traffic being diverted at SW 61st Street.
You can see the latest traffic updates here.
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