AMES – The Iowa Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the transportation departments in the Midwest, is alerting travelers that the present major winter storm is affecting travel throughout the region.

If your plans include travel to Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri or Oklahoma, be aware that a state of emergency has been declared in these states.

The potent winter storm is causing heavy snow, high winds and drifting snow. Travel is impossible in parts of some states. The storm is already disrupting rail, ground and air travel. Conditions are not expected to improve in the Midwest until later Wednesday.

Interstate travelers should also be aware that states in the eastern part of the country are already getting prepared as the storm moves in that direction in the coming days. For instance, New York has opened its State Emergency Operation Center.

A blizzard warning remains in effect for much of Iowa through noon Wednesday. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph and wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph are expected this evening.