MODOT to motorists: Stay off the road through Sunday if possible

(From MODOT)

The Missouri Department of Transportation warns motorists to avoid travel if possible in Missouri through Sunday due to incoming ice and snow and single digit temperatures. Travel on Missouri’s roads should be restricted to necessary trips only. If travel is necessary, great caution should be taken and travelers should plan ahead using MoDOT’s online traveler information map, http://traveler.modot.org/map/.

“Despite treating the roads Friday, lower than forecasted temperatures paired with wet conditions in advance of the temperature drop resulted in road conditions that greatly impeded traffic and made travel difficult through most of Missouri,” said MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth. “MoDOT crews and law enforcement worked throughout the night repeatedly freeing cars and trucks stuck on slick, hilly locations.”

Overnight, temperatures increased to above freezing and vehicles were able to get moving again. However, mist and rain continued to make the treatment of the roadways with chemicals challenging again.

“Today, temperatures will plummet to arctic levels making travel very dangerous again. We expect flash freezing situations on Missouri highways starting early Saturday,” said Allmeroth. “Pavements will change from wet to ice in an instant, and our road treatment chemicals are not as affective in the extreme cold. Once temperatures drop below 20 degrees in your area today, motorists should strongly consider postponing travel.”

MoDOT’s highway digital message signs will inform motorists of closed sections of interstate. Motorists should heed those warnings and exit the highway before the noted closure.

To check road conditions including winter weather conditions and traffic speeds, please check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The map is also available as a free app for Apple and Android devices. The map denotes locations where the road is closed with a red exclamation point.

If you have to travel, please use proper winter safety precautions and make sure you have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves and provisions like water and snacks. Please wear your seat belt and don’t drive distracted. If you encounter car troubles or are involved in a crash, please remain in your vehicle.