Today kicks off Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Missouri. After a seemingly quick shift from summer to fall, winter in Missouri – and the snow, sleet and ice that come along with it – could follow just as fast in the coming months.
To help Missourians prepare and stay safe during shorter days and the coldest weather season, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Weather Service (NWS) are promoting different aspects of winter all week long.
They’ll send out winter weather safety messages via social media throughout next week, with each day focusing on a different theme:
Monday, Nov. 3 – Winter Weather Terminology
Tuesday, Nov. 4 – Ice Safety
Wednesday, Nov. 5 – Snow Safety
Thursday, Nov. 6 – Extreme Cold, Hypothermia and Frostbite
Friday, Nov. 7 – Planning for Snow, Ice and Cold
Road safety remains a major concern during winter months, and reduced visibility can increase the risk of accidents. Even if not directly involved in a crash, an accident blocking the roadway could cause other drivers to be stranded for hours. According to preliminary results provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were more than 3,370 vehicle crashes in Missouri in 2024 during periods of snow, sleet, hail or ice, which resulted in 819 injuries and 10 deaths.
Avoiding non-essential travel during winter storms is the best way to not be stranded or involved in a crash. It also allows snow removal crews to clear the roads faster and first responders to get to crashes more quickly. The Missouri Department of Transportation’s plowing priorities focus on interstates and other high volume major roads first and as those road conditions improve, plows will focus on smaller numbered and lettered routes and then shoulders, outer roads, ramps and intersections. If you must drive, check road conditions in advance on MoDOT’s Traveler Map at traveler.modot.org/map/. Be sure to allow for extra time, expect delays, reduce speed and increase following distance. If your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road, stay in the vehicle and call for help.
Motorists traveling when severe weather is in the forecast should dress appropriately for the weather or keep warm outerwear in the vehicle, even for short trips, in case they were to become stranded and exposed to harsh conditions for an extended length of time. According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), 38 people died in Missouri as a result of low body temperatures due to prolonged exposure to cold weather in 2024. Protect against frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting clothing in several layers. Avoid alcohol, limit time spent outdoors in frigid temperatures and stay indoors if possible. Find more information on hypothermia and nearby warming center locations on the DHSS website at health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/hypothermia/.
For more winter weather tips, including safe driving techniques and preparing for power outages, please visit mo.gov/winter-weather-safety/.
