Wind gusts cause two semi-trucks to overturn; increased danger for truck drivers
By Beth Carlson
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COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (KETV) — High wind gusts recorded in Nebraska and Southwest Iowa caused an increased risk for semi-truck drivers overturning.
Iowa State Patrol reported two flipped semi-trucks along I-35 in Iowa, one near Ellsworth, and a second between Ankeny and Elkhart. Truck drivers crossing through Omaha and Southwest Iowa say the winds they encountered were reason to slow down or even stop.
“The wind, it’s going to pull that truck right over,” Robert Meyer, a semi-truck driver, said. “Might as well park it because it’s going to roll over.”
Last week, Iowa State Patrol confirmed a semi-truck driver died after strong winds made him lose control on I-80.
But it’s not just truck drivers who need to watch out.
“Pay attention that that’s the biggest thing I would advise the cars to do. I see a lot of drivers with their phones in their hands racing down the road. Just slow down,” Anthony Anderson, a tow truck driver, advised.
Anderson says the threats of snow, winds and freezing temperatures make for the busiest time of year for tow trucks.
“If you don’t have the additives, you break down, you’re going to get cold. The weather conditions, being in a ditch, or something like that. It’s going to make it cold,” Anderson said. “Try your best to stay warm. We’ll get to you guys as soon as we can.”
Omaha and Southwest Iowa are expected to be hit with another round of winter weather, including high winds and possible snow this weekend.
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