Already blanketed by a Saturday snowfall and single-digit temperatures, the St. Louis region is bracing for a strengthening winter storm that is expected to deliver additional snow and even colder air through and beyond the weekend.
“The Metro area along the I-44 corridor and along I-70 is under the gun from here on out,” Jared Maples, a National Weather Service meteorologist, predicted Saturday morning.
“With temperatures dropping into the single digits and the potential for snow or ice this weekend, simple steps today — like checking your heating system, stocking supplies, and planning to limit time outdoors — can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe.”
Gregg Favre, commissioner of the city Emergency Management Agency
Snow began falling earlier than expected Saturday and is forecast to intensify through the evening and into Sunday, bringing hazardous travel conditions across the region. Forecasters say the storm is still building and will leave behind dangerously cold temperatures and the potential for additional snow early next week.
Transportation officials reported that by Saturday morning, some highways in northwest and southern Missouri were already snow-covered. By 1 p.m., other highways across the region were at least partially covered. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it had responded to nearly 300 calls for service statewide, including 32 stranded motorists.
Meteorologists expect 1 to 3 inches of snow Saturday, with the bulk of the storm arriving Saturday evening and continuing into Sunday, adding another 4 to 8 inches. A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday.
The most impacted areas include south-central and southwest Illinois, along with central, east-central, and southeast Missouri.
The combination of heavy snow and plunging temperatures is expected to significantly slow road-clearing efforts. Temperatures could drop as low as 1 degree, with wind chills reaching minus 11 early Saturday and minus 13 early Monday. Forecasters warn that even colder air is expected after the storm system exits, along with the chance for additional snowfall.
“It’s going to be a big storm,” said Stephanie Leon Streeter, director of the St. Louis County Transportation and Public Works Department.
Earlier in the week, the city of St. Louis announced it was preparing for “dangerously cold temperatures and the potential for significant winter weather, including snow, sleet, or ice accumulation, based on National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts.” The city declared a Winter Storm Watch in effect from late Friday night through Sunday morning.
Residents are urged to avoid traveling if possible and to use extreme caution if driving is necessary. Officials recommend keeping a flashlight, food, and water in vehicles in case of emergency and checking road conditions before heading out.
“Now is the time to prepare,” said Gregg Favre, commissioner of the city Emergency Management Agency. “With temperatures dropping into the single digits and the potential for snow or ice this weekend, simple steps today — like checking your heating system, stocking supplies, and planning to limit time outdoors — can make all the difference in keeping you and your loved ones safe.”