MoDOT Urges Drivers to Prepare Ahead of Significant Winter Storm

National Weather Service cautions potentially “impossible” travel conditions 

The Missouri Department of Transportation is urging Missourians to plan ahead and avoid unnecessary travel as a winter storm is expected to impact much of the state this weekend. 

According to the National Weather Service, significant snowfall is expected across southern and central parts of the state beginning Friday evening, with the heaviest accumulation expected south of the I-70 corridor. Snowfall could last throughout Saturday and Sunday, and the National Weather Service warns of travel becoming “very difficult to impossible” throughout the storm in heavily impacted areas. 

MoDOT activated its statewide winter weather response on Wednesday and will have crews fully deployed throughout the event. Drivers and plows are ready, and resources — including equipment and personnel — will be shifted to the hardest-hit areas. The extreme cold temperatures and heavy snow expected with this storm will limit the effectiveness of road treatments, so snowplows will need plenty of room to work to clear impacted routes.

 “Our crews and equipment are ready, and we’ll be working around the clock to keep roads as clear as possible,” said MoDOT Director Ed Hassinger. “But we can’t do it alone. We need the public’s help. Please plan ahead. Once snow starts falling, stay put and give our crews time to work. Conditions will be challenging, and your cooperation is critical to keeping everyone safe.” 

MoDOT encourages drivers to use the Traveler Information Map, available at traveler.modot.org and as a mobile app, to check real-time road conditions. For more information and updates throughout the storm, follow MoDOT on social media or visit modot.org. 

For more information, call MoDOT at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org. To receive the latest statewide news and text alerts, signup for e-updates.