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Missouri Snow Records: 38 Inches in One Day, Could It Happen Again?
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri has experienced extraordinary winter storms, with historical snowfall records showing that some communities have received more than 30 inches of snow in a single day. As
By Wesley Grant · 2026-10-21T13:06:48.137Z
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri has experienced extraordinary winter storms, with historical snowfall records showing that some communities have received more than 30 inches of snow in a single day. As winter 2026 27 approaches, those extremes offer a reminder that even relatively mild winters can produce dangerous snowstorms.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Centers for Environmental Information, Missouri's county level snowfall records document major winter events across the state, from northern Missouri to the Ozarks and communities surrounding Kansas City and St. Louis.
Missouri's Historic One Day Snowfall Records The following are notable county level records from NOAA's historical snowfall database. Measurements represent snowfall reported at individual weather stations, not countywide averages.
Ralls County: 38.0 inches — Sappington 6.2, Feb. 2, 2011. Bollinger County: 38.0 inches — Zalma, Feb. 25, 1979. Benton County: 37.0 inches — Lincoln 0.4 NNE, Feb. 2, 2011. St. Louis County: 37.0 inches — St. Louis University, Dec. 24, 1915. Cedar County: 36.0 inches — Stockton 2.8 NW, Feb. 2, 2011. Ripley County: 36.5 inches — Doniphan, March 9, 1994. Barry County: 33.0 inches — Cassville, March 15, 1993. Henry County: 33.0 inches — Clinton 0.9 NNW, Feb. 2, 2011. Christian County: 28.0 inches — Billings 1.5 W, March 17, 1970. Audrain County: 28.0 inches — Mexico, Feb. 29, 1934. Why Missouri's Snowfall History Matters Missouri sits in a transition zone where cold northern air frequently encounters moisture moving north from the Gulf of Mexico.
When these conditions align, powerful winter storms can develop, bringing heavy snowfall, ice and dangerous travel conditions.
Interstates 70, 44, 55 and 35 can experience significant disruptions during major winter storms, particularly when snowfall combines with strong winds.
The February 2011 storm appears repeatedly in the county records, demonstrating how one widespread weather system can establish snowfall extremes across multiple communities.
What Could This Mean for Winter 2026 27? Historical snowfall records do not predict the severity of an upcoming winter.
However, even during El Niño winters, when some regions experience warmer than average conditions, individual storms can still produce substantial snowfall.
El Niño influences seasonal weather patterns but does not eliminate the possibility of Arctic air outbreaks or major winter storms.
For Missouri residents, these historical extremes reinforce the importance of monitoring forecasts and preparing for sudden changes in winter weather.