KIRKSVILLE, MO — Northern Missouri is bracing for its first significant winter storm of the season, as a powerful system is set to blanket the region with 4 to 7 inches of snow beginning Friday evening and continuing through late Saturday night.
The National Weather Service in Kansas City/Pleasant Hill has issued a Winter Storm Watch for much of north-central and northeast Missouri, including Kirksville, Trenton, Bethany, Macon, and Milan. Forecasters warn that travel could become very difficult, particularly along I-35, U.S. 63, and U.S. 36, where snow is expected to fall steadily through Saturday.
Snow is forecast to develop late Friday and intensify overnight, continuing into Saturday afternoon. Areas north of Macon and Brookfield could see the heaviest accumulation, with rates exceeding 1 inch per hour at times. Winds from the north will gust near 25 mph, producing blowing snow and poor visibility across open roads and rural routes.
By Saturday night, roads could be snow-packed, and reduced visibility will make driving hazardous for post-Thanksgiving travelers heading home. Behind the storm, temperatures will plunge into the low 20s, setting up a hard freeze and icy conditions into Sunday morning.
Residents should finish travel before Friday evening, prepare emergency kits, and monitor updated advisories as watches are expected to be upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings by Friday morning.
