Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Writer

Dexter, Missouri – The National Weather Service in Paducah, KY has issued a WINTER STORM WARNING for periods of heavy sleet and freezing rain.  This is in effect until 11 p.m. this evening.  The WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is no longer in effect. 

Light sleet has begun to fall over much of the warned area this morning.  The warning area is generally Northwest of a line extending from Mount Caremel, Illinois to Vienna, Illinois to Dexter, Missouri.  (We made the national news!!)  The sleet is expected to pick up in intensity this afternoon and may also transition over to freezing rain, especially over Southeast Missouri.

Some rumbles of thunder may also be heard.  Temperatures should remain at or just below the freezing mark through early tonight as the precipitation begins to taper off.

Ice accumulations of one quarter to a half of an inch can be expected along with heavy sleet accumulations of an inch or two.

This wintry mix will likely lead to very dangerous travel conditions on roadways, especially bridges.  Some power outages cannot be ruled out, especially over portions of Southeast Missouri where the greatest icing is expected to occur.

A WINTER STORM WARNING means significant amounts of sleet and ice are expected or occurring.  Strong winds are also possible.  This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.