Blizzard conditions north of the Missouri River and wintry precipitation across the state has the Missouri Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service both saying “Do Not Travel”.
MoDOT issued its no-travel advisory around 8 p.m. Saturday night as road conditions deteriorated across the region and multiple crashes were reported. The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office also issued an avoid travel advisory Saturday night as they dealt with at least three crashes in the county. The National Weather Service calls travel conditions “impossible” as freezing rain is covering roadways, also causing tree damage and power outages. Snowfall later Sunday could exceed one foot in several areas, while winds could gust as high as 40 miles per hour.
Both agencies advise that travel should be limited to an emergency and that if you must travel to keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle. They add that if you do get stranded to remain with your vehicle.
A blizzard warning is in place for several area counties until 3 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, including Carroll, Chariton, Caldwell, Linn, Livingston, and Ray counties. This includes sections of U.S. Routes 24, 36 and 65, and Missouri Routes 5, 10, 11 and 13. The remainder of the area remains under a winter storm warning, also until 3 a.m. Monday.
The latest road conditions are available on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map.
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DRIVERS ENCOURAGED TO BE VIGILANT WHILE TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER
With a winter storm watch in effect in the KMMO listening area, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is offering tips for drivers who have to travel in the wintry conditions.
The Patrol encourages drivers to increase their following distance as you drive; stopping quickly on wet, snowy, or icy roads can be hazardous or impossible. Be aware that elevated roadways such as bridges and ramps may freeze faster, and a roadway that appears wet could be icy. Leaving at least five seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you is always a smart idea, especially in inclement weather.
Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol urge everyone to pay attention to weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel. If conditions dictate, avoid driving on Missouri’s roadways. When you travel, make sure your vehicle is completely clean of snow, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce your speed when the roadway appears wet or snow is present. Lower overnight temperatures may cause wet roadways to freeze and become slick. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.
Allow extra driving time, enabling you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed.
Troopers also suggest keeping your fuel tank at least half full. In preparation for winter weather, place battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, ice scraper, first aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk now, before an emergency occurs.
Before you travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and keep it with you. Do not use your cell phone when you are driving and park your vehicle well off the roadway or in a parking lot before placing a call. The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is *55 on a cellular phone. This number rings at the nearest troop headquarters, where troopers are available to assist you in case of emergency.