12/24: Christmas Winter Storm

A powerful storm system will move into the Southern Plains Christmas Day producing a band of heavy snow which will develop in southeastern Oklahoma and northwest Arkansas in the afternoon and into southern Missouri and Illinois Christmas evening and overnight. Significant snow is expected with the brunt of the storm in southeastern Missouri and southwest Illinois. The heavy snow combined with strong winds will create very hazardous travel conditions with near blizzard conditions at times. Snowfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches are likely in far southeast Missouri with locally higher totals possible. Northerly winds sustained at 20 mph will gust as high as 35 mph causing blowing snow and reduced visibilities.In Mid-Missouri, light snow amounts of 1 to 3 inches are expected along and south of HWY 54 with higher totals of 4-6 inches possible near I-44. Areas to the north and west of HWY 54 will get little to no accumulation. A slight change in the track of the storm will cause snowfall totals to change considerably and travelers are advised to check the latest forecasts and weather conditions before making travel plans.We will have updated forecast snow amounts as new forecast data comes in. Please check back and tune to ABC17 News for your complete ABC17 Stormtrack Forecast.