Kansas City, Missouri – Missouri’s two largest metro areas have less than 48 hours to prepare for a developing winter system that could bring ice, sleet and snow along the busy Interstate 70 corridor by 9 p.m. Sunday. The key question now: are Kansas City and St. Louis about to get hit by an ice storm, or will warmer air keep roads mainly wet?
According to the National Weather Service in Kansas City, very warm and dry conditions Friday will give way to a more unsettled pattern Sunday into early Monday. Rain is expected across central and southern Missouri, but a transition zone of mixed precipitation is forecast to set up near and along I-70. That places both Kansas City and St. Louis near the potential battleground between rain and freezing rain.
Current projections show light snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches north of the Missouri River, while areas farther south may see mostly rain. However, if surface temperatures slip to 32 degrees Sunday night, even a tenth of an inch of ice could create hazardous travel on I-70, I-435, I-64 and connecting highways during the overnight hours.
Drivers planning travel between the state’s two largest cities should monitor updated forecasts through Saturday. Small shifts in temperature could significantly alter precipitation type and road impacts. Keep devices charged, allow extra travel time Sunday night and prepare for slick bridges and overpasses early Monday.
Confidence in exact ice totals remains low, but hazardous travel conditions are possible Sunday evening into early Monday. Winter weather advisories may be issued as track and temperature details become clearer.
