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Frigid temperatures, icy roads disrupt daily life in region
SIKESTON — While roads on Monday, Jan. 6 remained mostly clear south of Morley, Missouri, the public was reminded to be aware of dangerously cold temperatures forecast in the region this week.
Some school districts who were slated to return from their holiday breaks, along with Scott County Courthouse and County government offices closed Monday due to adverse weather conditions. Some local businesses also closed due to frigid temperatures and hazardous conditions.
“This closure is part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety amid inclement weather,” Scott County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post. “For those who must venture out (Monday), please allow ample time to arrive safely at your destination.”
Scott County remained under an ice storm warning until noon Monday. Temperatures remained frigid.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, highs for Monday through Thursday were expected to be 28 or 29 degrees with lows in the teens Monday through Wednesday and 21 degrees on Thursday. Friday’s high is expected to be 32 degrees with a low of 22. However, there is a chance of snow showers mainly after noon Friday and again before midnight.
As a reminder, when temperatures are below 32 degrees for two consecutive days, the doors the Warming Center at Spread Hope Now will be open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. The Center is located next to Dollar General at 915 South Kingshighway in Sikeston.
Scott County Sheriff Derick Wheetley said early Monday that Morley and north seemed to be the cutoff for ice and snow.
“On Sunday, there were trees and large branches breaking so deputies and fire departments spent time clearing those,” the sheriff said.
Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop E responded to 111 calls for service Sunday and early Monday, said Sgt. Clark Parrott, but it was mostly in the northern part of the troop where ice was received. Those included 13 stranded motorists and 12 crashes, with zero injuries. Troopers also assisted multiple utility companies with downed power lines and trees.
Some residents endured power outages due to the ice.
At 6 a.m. Monday, SEMO Electric Cooperative said its crews were working tirelessly to restore power outages caused by Winter Storm Blair. At that time, 57 meters remained without power, which was a significant improvement from over 1,000 outages Sunday night.
“Team SEMO has shown incredible dedication, with some members working through the night without sleep,” SEMO Electric said in a Facebook post early Monday. “Crews who went home briefly at 1 a.m. are already back on the job, continuing their efforts to ensure all members have power restored as quickly and safely as possible.
The post continued: “As the sun rises, we remind everyone to stay alert and watch for downed power lines. Please stay away from any downed lines and report them immediately for your safety and the safety of others. Thank you for your patience and understanding as our team battles challenging weather conditions to serve you.”
Ameren Missouri reported about 8,000 customers without power across the state, but none in the seven-county region.
Perry, Cape and Bollinger counties were among the hardest hit in Southeast Missouri from the weekend winter weather event.
According to to Missouri State Highway Patrol in Jefferson City, early Monday road conditions across the state continued to be hazardous for travel and individuals were asked to avoid travel if possible. “Allow time for road crews to work. Troopers are still responding to slide offs, stranded motorists and crashes,” the Patrol said.
As of 8 p.m. Sunday, statewide the Patrol responded to 2,084 calls for service; 1,043 stranded motorists; 356 crashes; 31 injuries; and one fatality (near St. Louis).
“We’re working around the clock as the storm continues to impact roadways,” the Patrol said. “Much appreciation to the Missouri National Guard for the backup in helping stranded motorists across the state.”