MoDOT issues warning ahead of snow, high winds

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation is warning drivers of high winds over much of the state Friday, including possible whiteout conditions in northwest Missouri.

Winds could gust up to 40 mph across the state, the agency said in a news release. Forecasters are calling for 1 to 3 inches of snow in areas of Mid-Missouri. The entire area is under a winter weather advisory from 3 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.

The forecast for Mid-Missouri includes snow showers all day Friday that will reduce visibility for drivers. But the mild weather so far this winter means Boone County has supplies on hand.

"We were fully stocked for the winter and we've barely touched any of our supplies. We still have a full winter's worth, hopefully, of materials," said Greg Edington, director of Boone County Road and Bridge.

Edington said crews will be putting all of their equipment on the trucks before workers leave Thursday. A night crew will be on call in case the weather becomes severe overnight. Edington predicts the warmer pavement will help with the road conditions tomorrow -- at least until the temperatures drop.

"There may be some impact tomorrow coming home from work and we just ask that you take your time and drive according to the conditions and everybody will get home safe," said Edington.

MoDOT said conditions are expected to be particularly bad in the northwest part of the state, with whiteouts possible from Interstate 29 north to the Iowa border.