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News We Love: Family finds refuge and kindness after blizzard traps drivers

On Sunday, Rafael and Sarah Soriano encountered near-whiteout conditions on I-35 near Mason City, Iowa, and were directed to the Latimer Community Center for shelter by a driver who contacted the Iowa State Patrol.
After turning south onto Interstate 35 near Mason City, winds and flurries suddenly intensified, causing crashes and jackknifed semi-trailers as highway exits without services offered limited safe options.
At the Latimer Community Center, as many as 60 people sought refuge while local residents, the little store owner in Latimer, and Iowa Knights volunteers provided food, blankets, and children's supplies.
The Sorianos were able to leave the community center about 1130 on Monday and reached home a few hours later after an ordeal lasting more than 24 hours.
As the whiteout spread, KCCI reported closures on Interstate 35 between Ames and Minnesota, while other stranded drivers altered plans and sought refuge in small communities including Latimer Community Center.

Insights by Ground AI