A cold front is forecast to move across the state in the form of rain on Wednesday, changing to ice and snow overnight into Thursday morning. The Missouri Department of Transportation urges drivers to be cautious of slick roads throughout the day on Thursday.

Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT chief safety and operations officer says, “Because rain is expected to begin Wednesday, we will not be able to have crews out to treat ahead of the snow. Motorists should watch for heavy rain and potential flash flooding Wednesday evening. Then a glazing of ice under the Thursday morning snowfall will make the morning commute particularly slippery. We expect snow and cold temperatures will affect road conditions through overnight Thursday. Please use caution and slow down if you need to travel Wednesday night through Friday morning.”

Trucks and other high-profile vehicles should be aware of sustained winds of up to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph beginning Tuesday and continuing through Thursday night.

According to a news release, MoDOT maintenance crews have plowed more than one million miles of roadway this month alone. Crews are scheduled to be out Wednesday night watching for flash floods and then transition into fighting the ice and snow throughout the day Thursday and into Friday morning. Above freezing temperatures and sunshine on Friday should help clear the roads ahead of the weekend.

MoDOT officials say if you have to travel in the snow, be cautious of slowed or stalled traffic and please give our road crews room to work. Snowplows are wider than they look. Stay back and don’t attempt to pass. If you become stranded, the safest thing you can do is stay inside your vehicle until help arrives.

Travelers can check current Missouri road conditions on the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org.