Blowing and drifting snow caused more than a dozen cars to pile up in ditches along U.S. Highway 30 between Ames and Boone Wednesday night.

The northbound lanes of Interstate 35 didn’t fare much better, as icy conditions put cars at a standstill in Story County during rush hour. Traffic accidents in Story and Boone County kept emergency crews busy under the challenging visibility conditions.

“Until this stupid wind dies down, we’ll have accidents,” said Sgt. Rich Lampe of the Iowa State Patrol.

Lampe responded to a report of an Ogden police car colliding with a semitrailer in Boone County on Highway 69.

The driver of the semi attempted to make a turn off U.S. Highway 30 onto Highway 69, and the back wheels of the semitrailer hit the front of the squad car, resulting in $7,000 to $8,000 worth of damage, Lampe said.

Officer Tony Jones, who was in the squad car when the semi hit, was taken to Boone County Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the semi reported no injuries.

Sgt. Barry Thomas of Story County Sheriff’s Office said safety for officers on the roads is a concern.

“If we don’t make it to the scene, we don’t do anybody any good,” he said.

Iowa State Patrol spokesman Jim Saunders said drivers experienced nice weather during the day, but didn’t expect the road conditions to deteriorate and didn’t slow down accordingly.

Lampe said cars slide into ditches when people fail to slow down and take precautions.

“People come off dry pavement and hit a slick spot, and they go into the ditch,” he said.

The Iowa State Patrol and emergency crews have to prioritize 911 calls when the elements get bad because so many calls come in, Saunders said.

“When road conditions get like this, it’s difficult to keep up with the accidents,” he said.

Responding to accidents with injuries rather than property damage accidents becomes routine, Saunders said.

Those who have gone into the ditch may have to wait awhile.

Because of the hazardous conditions, towing was prohibited on I-35 and Highway 30, state patrol officials said.

“Tonight, we’ve been pretty steady,” said Jack Beach, of Butch’s Amoco, 100 E. Lincoln Way.

Shortly after 3 p.m., the phone started ringing, he said.

Beach said Butch’s has had requests for nearly 30 service calls to drag cars out of the ditch, but motorists have had to wait.

“It can be a few hours or a few days. It just depends,” Beach said.