Braving the Elements: MoDOT Urges Drivers to Stay Off the Roads This Weekend

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) — Driving conditions worsened in western Missouri on Saturday as winter precipitation moved across the region.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is advising drivers to refrain from traveling during the storm, which is anticipated to continue until Monday morning.

The National Weather Service has escalated the storm warning to a blizzard warning for the state’s northwestern and west-central regions, effective from 3 a.m. on Sunday. This alert supplements the existing winter storm warning that covers the state, which is bringing a complete array of winter weather, including substantial snowfall, sleet, freezing rain, and ice affecting most of Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is actively addressing numerous accidents and slide-offs in the affected regions.

Precipitation commenced as freezing rain upon entering the state Saturday afternoon in the Kansas City vicinity. Predictions indicate snowfall totals could exceed a foot in northern regions. Ice build-up will likely lead to tree destruction and power outages elsewhere in the state. Per the NWS, traveling will be “impossible.”

“Drivers should avoid traveling until conditions enhance sometime on Monday,” stated MoDOT Chief Safety and Operations Officer Becky Allmeroth. “For the remainder of this weekend, travel should be limited strictly to emergencies. These challenging conditions will also prolong response times for our crews and emergency response partners.”

Throughout the state, MoDOT has nearly 1,500 snowplows in operation, with teams working 12-hour shifts until the snow abates and the roads are largely clear. MoDOT collaborates with the State Emergency Management Agency, which is actively managing the response from the State Emergency Operations Center. An executive order from Gov. Mike Parson has deployed the Missouri National Guard to aid in the response efforts.

The NWS blizzard warning encompasses interstates 29 and 35, U.S. Route 36, and the neighboring counties in northern Missouri.

Missouri road conditions are accessible 24/7 via the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org on both desktop and mobile devices. Drivers can also check road conditions by following MoDOT on Facebook and X or by calling 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to connect with a customer service representative. Additionally, motorists can reach the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s emergency line, *55, to contact the nearest troop headquarters.

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