UPDATE, March 2, 2014: The winter weather continues to roll through West Central Missouri. The National Weather Service has now changed the storm forecast and claims the Winter Storm Warning will go until midnight tonight. The light snow and sleet will taper off through the day. However, another round of light snow is expected to develop, according to the National Weather Service and Sedalia/Pettis County Emergency Management Director David Clippert.

Like most of us, I expected to see a few inches of snow on the ground,” said David Clippert. “Instead, we had freezing drizzle which made it very slick and then sleet, which means it's still slick. We still have a ways to go . Now they are calling for a possible 2 inches. Very cold tomorrow morning. This is a good day to stay home. If you don't need to be out then please stay home and let the road crews safely do their jobs.”

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDot) has issued a no travel advisory and most of the state is considered to be in a covered state with either snow, ice or sleet this morning (Mar. 2).

Governor Jay Nixon announced he has activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) and delayed his scheduled departure to Canada for a trade mission. The Governor and state emergency officials continue to track the weather system and are in close contact with the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies to monitor conditions.

“State emergency management officials are working to ensure we are fully prepared for what is forecast to be a severe winter storm,” Governor Nixon said. “Snow and freezing rain, combined with high winds, will bring hazardous conditions and potential power outages to parts of the state. As we brace for another round of severe winter weather, I urge Missourians to use caution, check on friends and neighbors, and avoid unnecessary travel so that MoDOT and local road crews can do their important work to keep Missourians safe.”

The National Weather Service is expecting dangerous wind chills to continue through Tuesday.

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UPDATE: The National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill has issued a winter storm warning for periods of heavy sleet and snow, which is in effect from 6 p.m. this evening to 6 a.m. Monday for all of central and West Central Missouri, including Pettis County. The winter storm watch is no longer in effect.

Snow and sleet are expected to overspread the region saturday evening, becoming heavy at times overnight and into the day sunday. Precipitation is expected to gradually end from west to east sunday evening.

Significant accumulations of snow and sleet are expected across the area, and precipitation types may be mixed or alternate between snow and sleet. Sleet accumulation in excess of one to two inches will be possible, in addition to moderate to locally heavy snowfall accumulations totaling 4 to 7 additional inches. Total accumulations may vary significantly over short distances depending on how much sleet falls versus snow and where the heavier banded snow forms.

The combination of moderate to locally heavy sleet and snow will cause roadways to become snow and ice packed. Winds between 15 and 20 mph will cause visibility problems through the day on sunday and sunday night.

Bitterly cold air will follow this winter storm. High temperatures sunday will only reach near 10 degrees. Expect lows on monday morning to be between 0 and 5 degrees below zero range. North winds between 10 and 15 mph will cause wind chill values to drop to between 15 and 20 degrees below zero early monday morning.

A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow and sleet are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.

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The National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill has issued a winter storm watch, which is in effect from Saturday evening through late Sunday night for all locations of West Central Missouri, including Pettis County.

Light sleet with perhaps some freezing rain will commence late Saturday night and will persist through at least the morning hours on Sunday. The sleet will likely transition into snow on Sunday afternoon, and should continue through early Monday morning.

Sleet accumulation will cut into the final snow totals. Expect at least the first half of the winter event to be in the form of sleet, which could accumulate up to an inch of sleet with locally higher amounts. The final snow total will also be dependent on where the banded moderate to heavy snow sets up. Those totals should be more apparent as the event approaches.

Areas of light to moderate sleet and snow will cause roadways to be snow packed. Winds between 15 and 20 mph will cause visibility problems through the day on Sunday and Sunday night.

Very cold air will move in behind the snow. Expect lows on Monday morning to be in the 0 to -5 degree range. North winds between 10 and 15 mph will cause wind chill values to drop to between -10 and -20 degrees early Monday morning.

A winter storm watch means there is a potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. Continue to monitor the latest forecasts.

This press release provided by the Pettis County Sheriff's Department.

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