Another major winter storm will enter Missouri this evening, bringing freezing rain, sleet, snow and bitterly cold temperatures. Due to expected hazardous conditions, the Missouri Department of Transportation has issued a "no travel advisory" starting tonight and extending through Sunday.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Monday. This storm will will impact travel across the entire state, with a chance for up to 10 inches of snow in the Kansas City area and northeast portion of the state. The rest of the state will have lesser amounts of snow but could have more ice accumulation and high winds.
Winds are expected to be 10-20 mph throughout much of the storm with gusts to 30 mph at the end of the storm, particularly in southeast Missouri. Sub-zero low temperatures are predicted for the northern half of the state on Sunday, with highs not expected to reach much more than 10 degrees.
"For your safety and the safety of our crews, we're asking that once this storm hits your region of the state, you avoid travel unless it is a dire emergency," said Elizabeth Wright, MoDOT state maintenance engineer. "Snow is predicted to be heavy at times and when accompanied by ice and the extremely low temperatures it makes travel extremely hazardous.
"Blowing snow and high winds make it very difficult for MoDOT crews to clear roads," said Wright. "If there are no other vehicles on the roadways, we have a much better chance of making progress so traffic can get moving again."
Should you attempt to travel during this storm, bring your mobile phone and winter survival supplies. If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911. Be aware that emergency responders may have difficulty reaching you.
Stay informed about Missouri road conditions by using MoDOT's Traveler Information Map, available online at http://www.modot.org/, or through MoDOT's smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones. The map offers current views of road conditions for Missouri interstates and highways. You can zoom in to a particular location, check live weather radar, and view images from MoDOT's traffic cameras and message boards.
MoDOT also provides road condition information through our Customer Service Center. Dial 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.