Iowa drivers may now be able to predict the severity of winter storms of snow and sleet thanks to the new Rest Area Weather Information System.

The Iowa Department of Transportation will debut this pilot program Friday, Aug. 23. The system, in which weather information is displayed on a 21-inch computer monitor, will be placed in rest areas at nine sites around Iowa. The first will be installed at the westbound Interstate 80 Waukee rest area, located just west of Des Moines.

Dennis Burkheimer, director of the program, said, “We feel this program presents an opportunity to all Iowa travelers on how to get up-to-date weather information from the road.”

Burkheimer said they currently get their information from a similar system in Omaha, Neb. This center provides the most current area radar maps.

He said they also get information from sensors in the road. These sensors determine the salt content and consistency, as well as the ice cover, of the roads. Iowa now has 21 sensors stationed at various points across the state. The system was designed so members of all age groups could understand it.

“We designed the system to be easily understood. The graphical information is well organized and should be capable of getting all the points across,” Burkheimer said.

The kick off of the project will begin Friday with a press conference at the Waukee rest area. DOT officials will discuss plans of expansion for the weather system.

Before traveling across the state, motorists can check the condition of roadways by calling the Iowa road condition report at 1-515-288-1047.

The service is sponsored by the Iowa State Patrol and will also inform motorists about the latest road construction updates in the summer.