Snow leaves dusting on some roads
Mid-Missouri’s second winter storm in a week has not packed the punch of its predecessor, but has still caused potentially hazardous travel conditions in some areas.
And bitter cold is moving in behind it.
Much of the area saw light rain starting Friday night. Snow overnight left a dusting on the roads in Randolph County early Saturday. The Missouri Department of Transportation’s traveler information map showed state roads in the northern and western parts of the area were either covered or partly covered in snow at about 6 a.m.
Areas of northern and northwestern Missouri are covered or mostly covered this Saturday morning. Travelers should use caution and check their routes before heading out. Beware of overnight refreezing on roads. https://t.co/opw1rHuWdm pic.twitter.com/I9kNq0V8pE
— MoDOT (@MoDOT) January 19, 2019
Areas south of the Boone-Randolph County line and east of the Saline-Howard County line had clear roads that were damp from overnight rainfall. Much of the area was under a winter weather advisory until 6 p.m. Saturday. Monroe County was under a winter storm warning until 3 p.m.
Temperatures below freezing left some areas of slick spots as well. Plow crews were treating roads to battle against the freezing temperatures. Columbia Public Works warned that roads might still turn slick because of temperatures and the continuing possibility of snow.
Please continue to drive with caution. Snow is still possible but even without it pavement may still turn slick. We continue to monitor weather/road conditions. Stay tuned to your local and regional forecasts if you plan to travel.https://t.co/5oYbOwvAkI
— Columbia Pub Works (@pub_works) January 19, 2019
The temperature at Columbia Regional Airport had fallen to the freezing mark by 6 a.m. and was expected to continue falling into the single digits by Saturday night. Some flights there had been canceled because of snow.
Public works agencies had crews ready Saturday morning to respond to the storm. Cole County Public Works Director Larry Benz said high winds are a threat, with the possibility of whiteout conditions if snow starts to fall. Both Jefferson City and Cole County said they have full fleets available to take on this weekend’s conditions.
