As it gets closer to the weekend, there isn’t much change in the winter weather forecast for Pettis County.
According to Sedalia-Pettis County Emergency Management Agency Director Dave Clippert, there is now the possibility of some light icing early Friday afternoon, but the majority of any ice will still occur late Friday night.
On Friday night, Pettis County is fairly close to the northern edge of this weather system, Clippert said. On Saturday, Pettis is right in the middle of it, then in the southern edge by Sunday.
Clippert said projected ice totals are now near seven-tenths of an inch, lower than earlier projections of an inch.
Temperatures will start to warm up Sunday into the mid- to upper 30s and Monday in the 40s.
“I want to continue to emphasize that this is a serious winter storm to produce that much ice, but it does not appear to be a catastrophic storm,” Clippert said via email. “Be prepared to spend some time without power, if you keep power on then that’s great.”
Clippert added that more details regarding the timing of the storm will be available Thursday.
In advance of the impending inclement weather this weekend, the Missouri Department of Transportation has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Reduced Travel from late Thursday night through Sunday.
“MoDOT crews will be out ahead of the storm using a mixture of chemicals and abrasives including salt brine and salt,” MoDOT State Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth said in a news release. “Ice is the most difficult storm to fight. With large areas of the state expected to get a half inch or more, it can cause downed power lines and potential roadway closures. Motorists should avoid travel this weekend if at all possible.”
The release noted that many universities and colleges across the state begin classes Tuesday. Students are advised to avoid travel this weekend and consider travel after the ice storm is clear and conditions improve.
Road conditions including winter weather conditions and traffic speeds can be checked on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The map is also available as a free app on iTunes and Google play listed as MoDOT Traveler Information. MoDOT’s customer service center is available for information 24 hours a day at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
