Snow coats Mid-Missouri roads Saturday, slick conditions expected
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mid-Missouri roads saw snow collecting starting a little before 8 p.m. Saturday, leading to slick roads and lowered visibility.
Two to three inches of snow are expected to be on the ground in Columbia by the afternoon with heavier snow expected to begin overnight and into Sunday morning. Travel is expected to be more difficult on Sunday.
Areas south of Jefferson City are expecting to get over six inches.
Boone County Joint Communications has not reported any crashes since 11 a.m. Saturday however, Champions Drive at Providence Road was reported closed around 10 a.m.
An ABC 17 News reporter found difficulties breaking and turning while on major roads and intersections in Columbia, such as on Providence Road and Stadium Blvd.
An ABC 17 Stormtrack Meteorologist also noticed snow visibility issues when driving behind other cars.
The MoDot Traveler map also reported major roads like Highway 63 and U.S. Route 50 covered at around 11 a.m.
According to the City of Columbia, Columbia Public Works Crews began snowplow duty at around 7 a.m. with crews expected to work in 12-hour shifts throughout the day.
Both the Columbia Police Department and Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop F made posts warning travelers about road conditions, with the CPD warning that the extreme cold may make salt less effective and the MSHP asking drivers to postpone travel if possible.
The Columbia Fire Department also reminded residents to dress warm and cover faces, noses, toes and ears. The Boone County Fire Protection District also asked homeowners to keep fire hydrants clear of snow by about three feet so crews can access them in case of emergencies.
Several churches have called off Sunday service times, and Central Methodist University's campus will be closed Monday.
The weather has also impacted flights into and out of Columbia Regional Airport. According to the airport's flight status tracker, two early Saturday flights - one to Dallas and one to Chicago - were diverted, a flight to Denver was delayed and an early afternoon flight to Dallas has been canceled. One arriving flight from Chicago was delayed and one from Dallas was canceled.
This is an ongoing story.
