Icy Forecast for Missouri Roadways

Well, It’s January in Missouri…….

If you’ve been to the grocery store, you may have noticed they are running low on bread, milk and toilet paper as per normal January weather. But a winter weather forecast has been issued that may impact much of Missouri traffic this weekend, thus increasing the likelihood of motor vehicle crashes.

We encourage you to check out the weather forecasts and take safety precautions to avoid collisions if possible.

Greater St. Louis Area

A winter storm could bring up to three-quarters of an inch of ice in parts of the greater St. Louis area over the weekend. The National Weather Service forecasters say the watch will start Thursday night for counties along and south of Interstate 70 and the watch is set to expire at around 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Freezing rain is expected over southeast Missouri on Thursday night, then the storm is expected to spread north on Friday and Friday night.

Forecasters say that over the weekend, freezing rain may change over to just rain at times when the surface temperature climbs above 32 degrees. A few degrees difference can mean the difference between a weekend of rain or a major ice storm.

Greater Kansas City Area

The National Weather Service in Pleasant Hill, Missouri raises concerns that the storm will have a long duration of freezing rain and people should prepare for hazardous travel and power outages. Authorities stress the importance of having plenty of adequate supplies, including medications in case they have to stay home for several days.

Those who have generators should get them out and fueled and authorities stress the importance of knowing how to properly use the generators. Forecasters predict that the storm could be freezing rain or freezing drizzle to the lower Missouri Valley area which includes Kansas City as early as Friday afternoon.

The storm has potential for widespread icing across much of Missouri and eastern Kansas.

Advice from Experts for Winter Weather Driving

Driving in snow conditions are much different than ice. Accident rates are lower when roads are completely covered in snow in contrast to icy roads. Icy roads are extra dangerous because icy is not always visually distinguishable from wet roadways.

Traffic can pack/refreeze icing from light snow to create a very slick yet more subtle-appearing layer of ice. Furthermore, icing of these types tend to be isolated and patchy, resulting in a hazard that a driver many not encounter until they are several miles into their journey. This is especially true for areas such as icy bridges and exit/entrance ramps.

Slow Down

Not all icy road crashes are caused because people stereotypically “driving to fast”. The statistics show that overconfidence in one’s abilities and/or equipment is the most common factor in serious crashes on ice. The statistics show that No One Has The Skill to Drive at Highway Speeds on Icy Roads. So, if you must drive, drive slowly.

Increase Your Following Distance

Increasing your following distance can greatly reduce your likelihood to rear-end the car in front of you. The normal two to three car lengths of following distance should be doubled during inclement weather.

Tire Quality?

Having the right type of tires on your vehicle and keeping them in good shape help you “move” on icy roads, they do not however, help you “stop” and they won’t keep you from losing control at high speeds.

Authorities Recommend Not Driving on Icy Roadways Unless It’s An Absolute Must

Early weather forecasts can help you plan. Generally speaking, most experts recommend that if you do not have to drive on icy roads, then do not. When more vehicles stay off the roadways, transportation departments can treat the roads more easily and assist emergency vehicles when needed.

Certainly, if you must be out, be safe. If you are in a motor vehicle incident, call authorities immediately as emergency personnel may be needed.

Seeking immediate medical attention is advised. If you are in inclement weather and an ambulance is offered and available, truly consider taking the ambulance opposed to asking a loved one to come and get you in inclement weather and taking you to the hospital. Certainly, that does not mean they cannot meet you at the hospital, but think about your personal safety and that of your loved ones first and foremost.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call our attorneys as soon as possible.

We are available seven days a week toll free, (314) 276-1681.