Missouri, winter is not playing around today. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously cold temperatures are making travel hazardous, and conditions are only going to get worse before they get better.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of the state, including Kansas City and St. Louis, with icy roads and poor visibility expected through tonight. If you don’t have to travel, stay home! Roads are slick, snow-covered, and downright dangerous.
Here’s what’s happening and how to stay safe.
🌨️ What’s Going On?
A powerful winter storm is moving across Missouri, bringing a mix of heavy snow, freezing rain, and dangerously low wind chills.
- Snow has been falling throughout the day and will continue into the night.
- Bridges and overpasses are icing up, making driving extremely hazardous.
- Temperatures are plummeting, meaning any slush or wet roads will freeze solid overnight.
- The evening commute is expected to be a mess, with limited visibility and slippery conditions.
📍 Areas Most Impacted
🌨️ Kansas City & Northwestern Missouri
✔ 2 to 4 inches of additional snow expected—roads will stay covered and slick.
✔ Wind chills dropping below zero—exposed skin can get frostbite in under 30 minutes.
✔ Bridges, overpasses, and back roads are especially dangerous due to ice buildup.
🌨️ St. Louis & Eastern Missouri
✔ A messy mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain—perfect for turning roads into ice rinks.
✔ Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 6 PM CST, with worsening conditions expected overnight.
✔ Temperatures will stay below freezing all night, meaning anything that melts today will refreeze.
🚨 Why This Storm Is a Big Deal
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Dangerous Driving Conditions
- Snow is falling too fast for plows to keep up, leaving roads snow-covered.
- Black ice is forming, especially on bridges and overpasses.
- If you don’t absolutely have to drive, stay home!
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Bitter Cold & Wind Chills
- Temperatures are dropping into the single digits with wind chills below zero.
- Frostbite can happen in as little as 30 minutes—so if you’re outside, bundle up!
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Possible Power Outages
- Ice-covered tree branches could snap, bringing down power lines.
- Have a flashlight, blankets, and extra batteries ready—just in case.
🚗 If You Have to Travel…
✔ Take it slow—even if roads look clear, black ice could be hiding underneath.
✔ Leave extra space between you and other cars—slamming on your brakes won’t help on ice.
✔ Pack an emergency kit—blankets, snacks, water, and a phone charger could save you if you get stuck.
✔ Check road conditions before heading out at MoDOT’s Traveler Map.
🏠 How to Prepare at Home
✔ Stock up on essentials—groceries, medications, and pet supplies in case roads are too bad tomorrow.
✔ Charge your phone and devices in case of power outages.
✔ Let your faucets drip slightly to prevent pipes from freezing.
✔ Bundle up! If the heat goes out, layer up, close off unused rooms, and stay warm.
⏳ When Will It Be Over?
- Snow will continue through the evening, tapering off overnight.
- Roads will likely remain snow-covered and icy through Thursday morning.
- Another round of winter weather is possible later this week, so this isn’t over yet.
This storm isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous. Travel will be risky tonight and early Thursday, so if you can stay home, do it.
