MoDOT Urges Caution During Winter Weekend Travel

The Missouri Department of Transportation is advising drivers to stay off the roads this weekend as bitter cold temperatures combined with another major winter storm are expected to hit Missouri.

According to the National Weather Service, rain on Friday (Jan 18) will give way to snow overnight and continue through Saturday (Jan 19). Forecasters say this will be a dry snow and wind gusts could cause drifting. Behind the snow, temperatures are expected to drop significantly with wind chills in the single digits through Sunday in many areas of the state, including Pettis County.

Motorist planning to travel to the Chiefs game in Kansas City on Sunday are urged to plan accordingly.

MoDOT warns that with bitter cold temps, clean-up from a storm may be significantly longer than the clean-up from the event last weekend. In addition, chemicals used to treat the roads lose their effectiveness below 25 degrees.

MoDOT recommends making sure drivers have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves, and provisions like water and snacks in the event of an emergency.

Once conditions improve, motorists are reminded to give snowplows room to work. Do not tailgate or try to pass emergency maintenance vehicles, as a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.

A traveler information map is available at modot.org.