I heard a traffic reporter say this on a local TV news program the other morning.

Problem:
The word “slows” is not a noun.

Explanation:
“We have X in the area.” requires that “X” be a noun.

The word “slows” is not a noun.

I suppose that the traffic reporter was trying to be clever or was just lazy.

It seems that she was trying to use “slows” as a substitute for “slow traffic” (given what she covers — automotive traffic on local roads).

I believe that this use of “slows” is consistent with my “Devolution toward Simpler” hypothesis. It’s simpler to say “slows” than “slow traffic” (one syllable vs. three syllables).

Solution:
“We have slow traffic in the area.”