Sikeston DPS urges public to "stay home"

SIKESTON - The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is urging everyone to stay home today and has imposed four-wheel drive only order for the city streets.

Drivers who do not have a four-wheel drive vehicle will not be allowed to drive on city streets unless it is an extreme emergency, according to a news release from DPS.

Capt. Jim McMillen, public safety information officer, explained that two-wheel drive vehicles are getting stuck and blocking intersections. The numerous vehicles stuck in the snow are causing a safety issue for the emergency responders and not allowing them to get to those in need.

"The winter weather that our city has received over the last two days has created some near impossible driving conditions," said McMillen. "Numerous people have already ventured out of their homes in vehicles to find themselves stuck in what feels like -7 degree temperature. This near blizzard condition is extremely hazardous and we strongly recommend that everyone stay home."

Those who become stuck in the snow, should not get out and walk but should stay in the vehicle until help arrives," McMillen said. He noted with the cold temperatures and the biting winds, wind chill can cause exposure issues in minutes.

Also with numerous vehicle already stuck awaiting assistance, it may be some time before assistance arrives. Tow companies and other services are pushed to their limits at this time trying to assist the many drivers who got their vehicles lodged in 2-3-foot drifts, he said.

"In addition to the natural snow drifts, snow plows pushing snow off the roads are causing 'man-made' drifts at intersections," according to the officer. "This is making it nearly impossible for normal two-wheel drive vehicles to pass."

McMillen said DPS personnel are using four-wheel drive vehicles that have a higher ground clearance to assist those in distress. However, he cautioned, officers have already assisted many citizens already who were also driving four-wheel drive vehicles and got stuck in the large drifts.

"In short, if you don't have to be out today stay home," he concluded.