The National Weather Service says the snow is over and the next obstacle is brutally cold temperatures.
A wind chill advisory is in effect from midnight to 10 a.m. Saturday. Air temperatures will fall into the single digits with a northerly wind that will make it feel like 5 to 15 below zero.
There have been no injury-related accidents reported by the Missouri State Highway Patrol since the snow began falling in Texas County.
All seven school districts in the county are closed today. Many organizations postponed activities.
Roads became slick Thursday afternoon. One accident was reported by late afternoon: A Ford Explorer was on its top on Highway 17 about one mile south of Highway AP at Roby. There were no injuries. The Roby Fire Department was called to assist.
Schools adjourned early Thursday.
A mix of wintry precipitation began to impact the Ozarks and southeast Kansas. Snow, sleet and freezing rain fell over south central Missouri, with mostly snow north and west of the Interstate 44 corridor.
Another chance for wintry precipitation will impact the region late Saturday night through Sunday, most likely in the form of light snow. Additional snow accumulations are expected.
The American Red Cross urged preparation for the storm.
“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,” Chris Harmon, regional disaster program officer for the Red Cross in southern Missouri said. “We can help you and your family create a disaster preparedness plan now, before our community is threatened by dangerously low temperatures, snow, and ice.”
As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:
- Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.
- Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm watch means winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television stations. A winter storm warning means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
- Preparing Your Home and Car: Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.