Crews treating roads, accidents increasing Friday night

Freezing rain and sleet is moving into Mid-Missouri Friday night, and road crews have already started treating roads in Columbia and Jefferson City.

Both Jefferson City and Cole County Public Works have started pre-treating. They’ll also be watching the conditions closely overnight and into Saturday morning.

Columbia crews will focus on treating hills, curves, and bridges. Columbia Public Works will have 8 trucks clearing and treating the roads through the entire weekend.

There have already been accidents reported on Highway 54 near the Lake of the Ozarks early Friday evening. Multiple accidents were reported along Highway 63 in Boone County from Ashland to the Boone Co./Callaway Co. line, including a multiple car pileup.

The entire staff is on standby as the winter weather rolls in.

Drivers need to be aware of how fast the conditions can change, according to crews.

The temperature will be hovering around the freezing mark, meaning roads that are safe when you leave the house could potentially be unsafe a short time later.

Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution Friday night even if the roads appear safe.

You can check road conditions here throughout the night, and we’ll be updating if the weather begins to cause accidents or power outages.