ST. LOUIS, MO — The calm before the storm won’t last long. A powerful winter system is now on track to sweep through eastern Missouri and western Illinois late Friday into Saturday, bringing the first major snow of the season and the potential for 4 to 8 inches of accumulation.
The National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect from late Friday night through Saturday evening for much of the region, including St. Louis, Edwardsville, Alton, Hannibal, and Quincy. Forecasters warn that travel could become very difficult, especially Saturday morning through the afternoon as heavy snow bands develop along I-70, I-55, and U.S. 61.
Temperatures will hover near freezing, making for wet, heavy snow that could quickly accumulate on roads, trees, and power lines. Drivers are urged to delay nonessential travel, keep emergency kits in vehicles, and monitor updates as the system strengthens. Visibility may drop sharply during the heaviest bursts, and wind gusts up to 25 mph could create blowing snow and drifting in open areas.
Behind the storm, much colder air will surge in Sunday, with highs only in the upper 20s to low 30s — a sharp early December cold snap likely to linger into next week.
