Southeast Missouri counties preparing for winter storm

SOUTHEAST MISSOURI (KBSI) – Poplar Bluff severe weather response team director Craig Meador said there’s a storm headed through Southeast Missouri Thursday night and into Friday.

“We could see some very heavy bands of snow at times,” he said. “I’ve seen projections of snow anywhere from four up to seven inches.”

Meador says power outages are less of a risk with snow – compared to ice – but he wants people to be prepared for tree limbs heavy with snow that could knock down powerlines. 

Travel is another concern. In Ripley, Presiding County Commissioner Jesse Roy said snow is extra challenging in their part of the state due to the geography.

“It’s wonderful living in Ripley county,” he said. “Unfortunately, we have a lot of hills — curves — so, that’s why it can be very dangerous and slick.”

Ripley County Sheriff Rad Talburt said most people in their county live out on steep gravel roads.

“Some people might be in their homes for two or three days before they can even get out,” he said.

Sheriff Talburt said their office works with local fire departments to provide assistance to residents if they get stuck in the snow or need other help such as transportation to a warming center. 

“We’ve got everything prepared,” he said. “They’re all on standby. So if we need to go out and help somebody, we’ll be there as quickly as we can to assist the public.”