This photo provided by the Iowa State Patrol shows the scene of a 25-vehicle pileup that killed three people Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 north of Des Moines. Authorities said drivers were blinded by blowing snow and didn'’t see vehicles that had slowed or stopped on Interstate 35 about 60 miles north of Des Moines. A chain reaction of crashes involving semitrailers and passenger cars closed down a section of the highway. (AP Photo/Iowa State Patrol)

Iowa officials are warning residents to be cautious of strong winds that are causing numerous driving accidents around the state.

The state Department of Transportation says gusts of wind could reach 60 mph in eastern Iowa, and up to 50 mph in central Iowa.

The Iowa DOT and Iowa State Patrol have reported numerous traffic accidents due to high winds and blowing snow. Some are multi-vehicle crashes involving jack-knifed vehicles and semitrailers unable to climb steep inclines. Drivers are advised to stay off the roads until midnight.

A chain reaction involving semitrailers and passenger cars caused a 25-car crash Thursday on Interstate 35 about 60 miles north of Des Moines. At least one person was killed.

An overnight snow storm has dumped several inches of snow around the state.