 The city is gearing up for a double hit of winter weather as two back-to-back ice storms are expected to bring dangerous freezing rain, slick roads, and the possibility of power outages. The National Weather Service has issued Winter Weather Advisories, warning that the storms could create hazardous travel and leave lasting impacts on the region.
Residents are being urged to prepare for what could be several days of challenging conditions. With freezing rain expected to coat surfaces, officials are sounding the alarm about treacherous roadways, potential power failures, and falling tree limbs due to ice buildup.
What’s Happening Right Now?
St. Louis is experiencing cloudy conditions with a current temperature of 42°F (5°C). But don’t let the calm fool you. As temperatures drop overnight and cold air sweeps in, the stage is set for ice to form, especially on bridges, overpasses, and untreated roads.
What’s the Timeline for the Ice Storms?
The first wave of freezing rain is expected to hit Wednesday afternoon and extend into Thursday morning. During this period, a thin but dangerous layer of ice could accumulate on roads and sidewalks, making travel hazardous. As if that weren’t enough, a second, potentially stronger storm is forecasted to arrive over the weekend, bringing additional freezing rain and even some heavy snow.
The combination of these two storms could leave parts of St. Louis dealing with icy conditions well into early next week.
Your Day-by-Day Forecast
- Thursday, February 6: Milder with some sun breaking through the clouds. High: 47°F (8°C), Low: 26°F (-3°C).
- Friday, February 7: Cooler with early sunshine before clouds roll in and bring a chance of showers in the afternoon. High: 42°F (6°C), Low: 35°F (2°C).
- Saturday, February 8: Breezy and warmer, but rain and even a possible thunderstorm could disrupt the day. High: 49°F (10°C), Low: 25°F (-4°C).
- Sunday, February 9: Mostly sunny, but much cooler as the second storm begins to wind down. High: 35°F (2°C), Low: 26°F (-3°C).
- Monday, February 10: Cloudy and chilly with lingering winter conditions. High: 36°F (2°C), Low: 27°F (-3°C).
- Tuesday, February 11: A chance of afternoon snow could make things even trickier. High: 33°F (1°C), Low: 22°F (-6°C).
Why These Storms Are Such a Big Deal
This isn’t your average winter inconvenience. Freezing rain is a silent danger because it doesn’t pile up like snow. Instead, it creates a slick, invisible layer of ice that can cause cars to skid, people to slip, and power lines to collapse under the weight of ice-covered tree limbs.
Bridges and overpasses will be among the first areas to ice over because they cool faster than other road surfaces. Drivers could easily lose control if they’re not careful. Even a short drive to the store could turn into a risky adventure.
Additionally, power companies are bracing for potential outages. Ice buildup on power lines and tree branches could lead to widespread power failures if the second storm dumps as much freezing rain as expected. Some areas may be without power for several hours, or longer, depending on the damage.
What You Need to Do to Stay Safe
- Limit Travel: The best way to avoid trouble is to stay off the roads. If you don’t need to go anywhere, stay home.
- Drive with Caution: If travel is unavoidable, reduce your speed and allow for extra stopping distance. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
- Be Ready for Power Outages: Stock up on essentials like batteries, flashlights, and extra food and water. Make sure your phone is fully charged.
- Prepare for Cold Temperatures: Have warm blankets and layers of clothing ready in case of a power outage.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news, weather updates, and alerts so you know when conditions are changing.
When Will It All End?
The worst of the icy conditions should ease up by late Sunday as temperatures begin to stabilize. However, some lingering ice could stick around, particularly in shaded areas or places that don’t get treated quickly. By Monday, the weather will remain cold and cloudy, with another chance of light snow on Tuesday.
Final Thoughts
St. Louis residents know how to handle tough winters, but this ice storm combo demands extra attention. Freezing rain is one of the trickiest forms of winter weather because it’s hard to see and even harder to deal with once it’s on the ground. Stay prepared, stay cautious, and above all—stay safe!
