By Brandie Piper
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation has issued a “no travel advisory” during Tuesday’s anticipated snowstorm.
A spokesperson for MoDOT says hazardous conditions are expected across the state due to heavy snowfall and strong winds.
Areas north of the St. Louis area could see up to 10 inches of snow. A Winter Storm Warning will take effect at 6 a.m. Tuesday for Montgomery, Warren, Lincoln, and Pike counties in Missouri, and Calhoun, Greene, Jersey, and Macoupin counties in Illinois.
The St. Louis area is expected to get between three and six inches of snow, and will be under a Winter Weather Advisory beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday.
Areas south of St. Louis may see one to three inches of a snow and sleet mixture from Tuesday morning through late evening. Perry County, Mo. and Perry and Jefferson counties in Ill. will be under a Winter Storm Watch.
“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 throughout the day and strong winds will blow the snow around, creating a whiteout effect that makes travel extremely hazardous.”
Blowing snow will make it hard for crews to clear the roads, and Wright says roads clear of vehicles will give workers a better chance at making progress.
Marie Elliott, a spokesperson for MoDOT, says crews will begin coming in at 12 a.m. Tuesday to start road treatments. Workers will be progressively added throughout the day, each working 12 hour shifts.
Elliott says there is still some salt on the roads from the weekend, and they did some additional pre-treating Monday, which will continue Tuesday before the storm.
Joe Monroe with the Illinois Department of Transportation says they are monitoring the situation and getting prepared. He says Illinois roads also still have chemicals on the surface leftover from the weekend, so crews spent Monday doing maintenance on their trucks to ensure they’re ready for Tuesday.
If you must travel during the storm, you are urged to bring a mobile phone and winter survival supplies. If you become stranded, stay in your vehicle and call 911.
You can stay up-to-date on Missouri road conditions through MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, or MoDOT’s app. You can also call their Customer Service Center at 888-ASK-MODOT.
Brandie Piper 