Missouri — Cold air presses into the Ozark foothills this morning, leaving roads dry but rigid and primed for trouble. The calm won’t last. A developing winter system is setting the stage for accumulating snow across southeast Missouri as the weekend approaches.
According to the National Weather Service in St. Louis, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Friday night through late Saturday night for Iron, Madison, and Reynolds counties. Snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches are possible, enough to create widespread travel issues across rural highways and secondary roads.
Snow is expected to develop late Friday night and intensify at times Saturday. Even moderate snowfall rates could quickly coat untreated roads, especially along winding routes through the Ozarks. Travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly once snow begins sticking, particularly during early morning and evening hours.
Daytime temperatures remain cold enough to support all snow, limiting melting. Any brief improvement during daylight hours may be short-lived, as temperatures drop again Saturday night. Slippery roads are likely to persist into early Sunday as snow compacts and refreezes.
Drivers should use caution on routes connecting to I-55 and U.S. 67, where traffic volumes increase and visibility can drop quickly during heavier bursts. Emergency officials recommend avoiding unnecessary travel during the height of the storm and allowing extra time for any essential trips.
Residents should prepare now by checking vehicles, charging devices, and securing supplies in case travel becomes difficult. Conditions may change quickly as snowfall placement becomes clearer.
Looking ahead, the 6–10 day outlook favors below-normal temperatures across Missouri, suggesting cold conditions may linger even after snow tapers off.
