Winter weather could impact travel Sunday, officials ask drivers to stay home

With severe weather and blizzard-like conditions on the way to mid-Missouri Sunday – a big travel day – Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp warns drivers to stay home.

“If you don’t need to be out on the roads, don’t be out there,” he said.

Blomenkamp said if you have to travel north of I-70, make sure to do that first thing in the morning.

The University of Missouri echoes that message, it sent an email to students today telling them to check routes and road conditions before making their way back to campus after Thanksgiving break.

“If you do have to be out there, just exercise caution – extreme caution – slow down, increase your following distance and let someone know where you’re headed and when you’re expected to be there,” Blomenkamp said.

He expects low visibility while driving Sunday.

“Blizzard-like conditions means that visibility is going to be reduced drastically, so again, slower speeds, do not overdrive your headlights,” Blomenkamp said. “If whatever you can see in your headlights, you need to be able to stop once that comes into view.”

He said to be prepared if you’re on the roads Sunday and carry a blanket and extra clothes in the car just in case.

“If you do get stuck of slide off the roadway, call for help, if it’s not an emergency, if you don’t have injuries, don’t call 911. Call for a tow truck. Call a non-emergency number but leave 911 for emergencies,” Blomenkamp said.

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