Weather
Missouri Winter Weather Awareness Through Oct 31: Road Ice Risks
Jefferson City, MO – Ice covered highways, falling trees and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Missouri. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, Oct
By Nolan Pierce · 2026-10-27T08:00:20.016Z
Jefferson City, MO – Ice covered highways, falling trees and widespread power outages can quickly create dangerous conditions across Missouri. As winter weather awareness efforts continue Tuesday, October 27, residents are being reminded that freezing rain and river ice jams can threaten travel, electricity and communities during the colder months.
According to the National Weather Service NWS , freezing rain freezes upon contact with surfaces at or below freezing. Ice accumulation can make roads treacherous, damage trees and power lines, and leave communities without electricity.
How Dangerous Can Missouri Ice Storms Become? Even a thin coating of ice can make untreated roads, bridges and overpasses extremely slippery. Accumulations approaching half an inch can cause significant tree damage and widespread electrical disruptions.
Missouri experienced devastating ice storms in January 2007, when heavy ice accumulation damaged electrical infrastructure and left hundreds of thousands without power.
Drivers traveling Interstate 70, Interstate 44, Interstate 55 and Interstate 35 should exercise caution when freezing rain is forecast.
Ice Jams Can Trigger Winter Flooding Another winter threat develops when river ice accumulates and restricts water flow, potentially causing flooding upstream.
Winter thaws, heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt can increase flooding risks, especially when frozen ground limits water absorption.
Communities along the Missouri, Mississippi, Grand and Chariton rivers can face ice jam concerns during winter warmups, particularly across northern Missouri.
How Missouri Residents Can Prepare Before severe winter weather arrives, residents should take several precautions:
Keep flashlights, batteries, blankets and emergency supplies accessible. Charge phones and prepare for extended power outages. Avoid unnecessary driving during freezing rain. Stay away from downed power lines and unstable river ice. Never drive through flooded roadways. Residents can monitor official forecasts through the NWS St. Louis office , NWS Kansas City/Pleasant Hill office and NWS Springfield office .
Winter weather awareness efforts continue through Saturday, October 31 , emphasizing preparation before ice storms, power outages and river flooding threaten Missouri communities.