March snow sat 1

The Missouri Department of Transportation says because moderate to heavy snow is predicted for much of the state on Saturday afternoon into Sunday, motorists are urged to use caution when traveling this weekend.

 

“The forecast shows most of Missouri, from I-44 northward, in the path of this storm,” MoDOT says. “Some areas could see as much as a foot of snow, and strong winds could affect visibility and make driving extremely hazardous.”

To check the forecast in your area, visit the National Weather Service in Springfield, National Weather Service in Kansas City (Pleasant Hill), or National Weather Service in St. Louis. For weather conditions in Southeast Missouri portion of Missouri, visit the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky.

March snow sat 2MoDOT advises motorists to not become complacent because of the late storm.

“Despite this storm coming so late in the season, MoDOT crews are prepared and ready to plow and treat state highways as needed across the state,” MoDOT says in a release. “If the snow comes as forecasted, teams will concentrate on the busiest highways first, plowing and spreading salt where needed – especially on bridges, hills and curves.”

 

MoDOT is asking motorists to remember the following tips if they must travel:

 

  • Slow down
  • Steer and brake gently
  • Accelerate slowly at intersections
  • Allow plenty of distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you
  • Stay back at least 100 feet from snow plows, and avoid passing them, even on a multi-lane road.

 

Stay informed about Missouri road conditions by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, available online at www.modot.org or through the new smartphone app. The map offers current views of road conditions for Missouri interstates and highways. Conditions for these routes are color-coded to give users the information they need at a glance. You can zoom in to a particular location, check live weather radar and view images from MoDOT’s traffic cameras and message boards.

 

Motorists can also call MoDOT’s customer service center for road conditions at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636). The toll-free phone line is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.