Missourians may expect additional winter travel interruptions as a late-January weather pattern increases the possibility of snow accumulation across much of the state.
According to the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center, Missouri is in a modest risk of heavy snow from Saturday to the following Friday, indicating a higher likelihood of one or more organized winter storms moving through the central United States. The risk area includes northern, central, and eastern Missouri, where colder air is likely to move in.
In eastern Missouri, including St. Louis and the neighboring metro areas, temperatures are trending below normal, favoring snow as the major precipitation type. This could create to slick conditions on Interstates 70, 55, and 64, especially during evening and early morning traffic.
Snow may fall in many rounds across western Missouri, including Kansas City and surrounding cities, increasing the possibility of cumulative impacts on Interstates 35, 70, and 435. Snow accumulation may also disrupt U.S. Route 63 and adjoining rural roads in central Missouri, including Columbia.
The Missouri Department of Transportation advises homeowners to regularly monitor road conditions, allow extra travel time, and keep vehicles packed with winter emergency supplies. With colder air predicted to prevail, snowfall may linger between systems.
More specific timing and probable winter weather advisories are expected as the late-January window approaches, with clearer impacts available by early next week.