Transportation officials in MO, IL, KY warn of winter weather, strong winds

Christy Russell,
snow on car window (Source: Pexels/Masood Aslami)
now on car window (Source: Pexels/Masood Aslami)

(KBSI) – Missouri Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Kentucky Transporation officials advise the public that the first significant winter storm of the season is anticipated Monday night into Tuesday.

MoDOT officials urge drivers to check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map (traveler.modot.org) before heading out on Missouri roads in the coming days.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol warned drivers to be extra vigilant when driving in inclement weather.

Be sure to increase your following distance as you drive; stopping quickly on wet, snowy, or icy roads can be hazardous or impossible. Be aware that elevated roadways such as bridges and ramps may freeze faster, and a roadway that appears wet could be icy. Leaving at least five seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you is always a smart idea, especially in inclement weather. During 2022 there were 51 people killed and 1,969 people injured in more than 7,500 crashes with weather conditions of snow, sleet/hail, or freezing.

Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol urge everyone to pay attention to weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel. If conditions dictate, avoid driving on Missouri’s roads. When you travel, make sure your vehicle is completely clean of snow, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce speed when the road appears wet or snow is present.

Lower overnight temperatures may cause wet roads to freeze and become slick. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.

  • Troopers suggest keeping your fuel tank at least half full.
  • In preparation for winter weather, place an ice scraper, battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk now, before an emergency occurs.
  • Before you travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and keep it with you.
  • Do not use your cell phone when you are driving.
  • Park your vehicle well off the roadway or in a parking lot before placing a call.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is *55 on a cell phone. This number rings at the nearest troop headquarters. Troopers are available to assist you.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet highway crews are also on alert for any travel impacts caused by rounds of strong winds beginning Monday evening and continuing into Wednesday morning.

It could create slick conditions, reduced visibility and slower travel, with some areas expected to receive more than 10 inches of snow.

IDOT’s snow and ice teams pretreated roads and bridges as necessary on Monday. Plowing operations will be ongoing throughout the storm and continuing in the days afterward.

“Our team at IDOT spends the entire year preparing for snow and ice season, but the public’s cooperation is essential to ensure everyone’s safety,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “The safest option during winter weather always is to avoid unnecessary trips. If you are driving, expect travel to be slow and build plenty of extra time into your schedule throughout the week. Conditions may be dangerous at times. And please give our plows and trucks room to operate during any storm and after the snow has stopped falling.”

The northern half of Illinois is under a winter storm warning and advisory beginning Monday evening. Snow accumulations are expected to range from 1 to 5 inches east of Interstate 55, with higher totals to the west, including up to 11 inches in the Rockford area and a foot or more in northwest Illinois and the Quad Cities. Between 1 and 5 inches are anticipated in the Chicago area.

Significant rain is forecast for the southern regions of Illinois.

Gusts up to 45 mph will create blowing and drifting, reducing visibility and making snow-removal efforts a challenge, according to IDOT.

IDOT has available more than 1,800 trucks statewide and equipment to treat roads, spread salt, plow snow and respond to weather emergencies.

Anyone who must travel, is advised that his/her destination could have significantly higher amounts of snow than where the trip originated. Slow down, anticipate much longer travel times, increase braking distances and expect conditions to deteriorate.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly recommends making sure to clear any snow and ice from your vehicle before you get on the road, planning extra time for your drive so you can take it slow, and moving over for emergency vehicles who are handling crashes because of the weather can mean the difference between a safe trip and a deadly one.

Another storm is predicted to hit later this week, with more snow forecasted along with bitter cold.

Tips if you must travel:

  • Ask yourself first: Is this trip really necessary or can it be postponed?
  • Check current road conditions 24/7 at GettingAroundIllinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.
  • Check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route and schedule.
  • Fill up your tank or fully charge your vehicle and pack winter weather essentials, such as a cell phone charger, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, first aid kit, washer fluid and ice scraper.
  • Use extra caution in areas susceptible to icing, including ramps, bridges, curves and shaded areas.Watch for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be extremely slippery.
  • Give snowplows plenty of room – don’t crowd the plow! And do not attempt to pass. Conditions in front of the plow are going to be worse than behind it.
  • Give them distance. Obey the Move Over law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle.
  • Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law and your best protection in the event of a crash.
  • Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices. This, too, is the law.
  • If you are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle. Exiting your vehicle near a busy road can have fatal consequences.

Kentuckians are advised to secure any objects that cannot be brought inside and drivers driving high-profile vehicles are advised to exercise extreme caution when winds are strong.

“Strong gusty winds as high as 40 mph mixed with rain can pose some serious safety concerns and we want everyone to take precautions ahead of and during the event,” said Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.

The National Weather Service advised that a strong storm system will sweep across Kentucky Monday evening, bringing high winds and rain. Tuesday night into Wednesday morning brings a chance for a wintry mix in the north-central, east-central and south-central parts of the state.

Drivers in high-profile vehicles like SUVs, trucks, vans, and towing trailers are more likely to be moved by strong gusts of winds. They are advised to take extra caution by slowing down and keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet staff are on high alert, monitoring the weather and ready to respond should downed trees or debris hinder travel on state-maintained routes.

“Strong winds can be just as hazardous as snow and ice,” said KYTC Jim Gray. “If you are on the road during periods of high wind gusts, slow down, keep a safe distance from other cars or safely pull over. It’s important to stay weather aware this week as winter weather and cold temps are expected in the coming days.”

Check the map at goky.ky.gov map for traffic conditions before traveling in Kentucky. The map also offers access to select traffic cameras on interstates and parkways.

Tips for driving during strong winds:

  • Keep both hands on the steering wheel
  • Slow down
  • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially high-profile vehicles such as semi-trucks or campers that could be pushed out of their lane by winds
  • Watch for flying debris that may blow into the roadway
  • If winds are too severe to drive safely, pull onto the shoulder away from trees or other tall objects that could fall, turn on your hazard lights and wait until conditions improve
  • If you encounter a dark traffic signal, treat is as a four-way stop

What to do if you see a downed power line:

  • Report it to your local utility company
  • Do not try to clear it yourself
  • Stay clear and avoid anything touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches
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