St. Louis, Missouri – Drivers along Interstate 70 have less than 72 hours before a developing winter system threatens slick roads and slower travel by 9 p.m. Sunday. The greatest risk for accumulating snow and sleet appears north of the St. Louis metro, but even brief freezing rain could create icy stretches before sunrise Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, winter precipitation is expected to develop Sunday evening and continue into early Monday morning. Forecasters say precipitation type and placement remain uncertain, though the highest confidence for impactful snow currently sits along and north of I-70, including Columbia and areas toward Quincy, Illinois. Temperatures are expected to hover near freezing overnight, increasing the risk for slick pavement.
In the St. Louis metro, including corridors along I-64 and I-44, precipitation may begin as rain before mixing with sleet or wet snow late Sunday night. Bridges and overpasses will cool fastest, especially where surface temperatures fall to 32 degrees or lower. Motorists traveling between Jefferson City and Columbia on I-70 should prepare for reduced visibility and possible slushy accumulation after 10 p.m. Sunday.
Transportation officials urge drivers to allow extra travel time Sunday night, keep headlights on during precipitation and maintain safe following distance. Charge mobile devices and monitor MoDOT updates for changing road conditions.
Precipitation should taper from west to east by midmorning Monday, though lingering slick spots could affect the early commute. Additional advisories or winter weather headlines may be issued as confidence in snowfall totals increases.
