St. Louis, MO – The National Weather Service (NWS) office in St. Louis is alerting residents across Eastern Missouri to use caution as sleet season begins, emphasizing that sleet can pose serious dangers for both drivers and pedestrians. The reminder comes during Winter Weather Preparedness Week, an annual campaign encouraging Missourians to get ready for cold-weather hazards.
According to the NWS, sleet can be significantly denser than snow, making it more challenging to shovel and far more hazardous for motorists. Even light accumulations can lead to slick, icy roads and reduced visibility. “Don’t underestimate sleet dangers,” the agency warned, advising drivers to slow down, allow plenty of stopping distance, and avoid using cruise control when sleet is present.
The St. Louis and St. Charles County regions are especially vulnerable due to frequent freeze-thaw cycles that make bridges and untreated roads freeze faster. Weather officials urge residents to monitor local forecasts closely and stay alert to potential advisories in the coming days as temperatures continue to drop.
Residents are also encouraged to prepare emergency vehicle kits and review winter safety tips at weather.gov/safety/winter. With colder air settling over the Mississippi River Valley this week, sleet and freezing rain could create dangerous travel conditions across the metro area and surrounding counties.
