Winter arrives with snow, wind, bitter temperatures

SIKESTON — Holiday travel could be a bit more challenging this year due to a winter storm that will move across Southeast Missouri Thursday into Friday, leaving bitterly cold temperatures in its wake.

According to the National Weather Service, rain before 3 p.m. is forecast Thursday in Sikeston, then rain and snow. The high is expected to be near 45 degrees, breezy, with a south wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northwest 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

On Thursday night, there is a 40% chance of snow before midnight and it will be mostly cloudy, with a low around zero. The night will be blustery, with a west northwest wind 18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph.

Friday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 13 degrees and breezy, with a west wind of 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Friday night will be partly cloudy with a low around 5 degrees and west wind 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 31 mph.

The Missouri Department of Transportation urges all drivers to be aware of changing road conditions both where they are and where they are going.

According to the National Weather Service, snow will begin moving into northwest Missouri Wednesday night and move across the state throughout the day Thursday. High winds and bitterly cold temperatures are also anticipated. Blowing and drifting snow as well as possible whiteout conditions will make driving dangerous, and sub-zero wind chills can be life-threatening if motorists become stranded. In some parts of Missouri, precipitation could start as rain and quickly turn to snow with potential flash freezing of roadways.

“Cleanup, particularly during overnight hours, could take longer than usual after the snow ends because the chemicals used to treat the roads lose their effectiveness in bitterly cold temperatures,” said Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT’s chief safety and operations officer. “Snowfall totals are manageable, but high winds and bitterly cold temperatures will make clearing the roads difficult. Motorists should take extra preparations before you take to the road.”

If anyone needs to travel, they should make sure they have a full tank of gas, blankets, gloves and provisions like water and snacks in the event of an emergency. Make sure cellphones are fully charged, but never use them while driving. If someone should slide off the road or are involved in a crash, stay inside the vehicle with the seat belt buckled until help arrives. 

“This is expected to be a dry snow which can create blizzard-like whiteout conditions around our snowplows,” Allmeroth said. “Many snowplow operators are new, and this will be their first winter event. If you encounter a snowplow or salt trucks on the road, always give them room to work. Do not tailgate or try to pass. Remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.”

Saturday in Sikeston will be sunny with a high near 20 degrees and the west northwest wind will be 9 to 14 mph with gusts as high as 26 mph, the Weather Service said. Saturday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 7 degrees. West northwest wind 3 to 7 mph.

Christmas day will be sunny with a high near 24 with light and variable wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning. Then partly cloudy with a low around 16.

Check current Missouri road conditions on the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones. You can also find road conditions and warnings by following MoDOT on Facebook and Twitter or by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak with a customer service representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.