Jefferson City, Missouri -  Gov. Jay Nixon today activated the State Emergency Operations Center for 24-hour a day operations in response to a winter storm system that threatens to bring freezing rain, sleet, snow and ice to much of Missouri. The Governor and state emergency officials have been tracking the weather system’s approach this week and continue to be in close contact with the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies to monitor conditions.
 
“This storm system could create hazardous conditions and potentially lead to power outages,” Gov. Nixon said. “The latest forecasts call for ice to accumulate in some areas before turning to sleet and snow, particularly in southeast Missouri. As we know from past winter storms, the best way to ensure safety is to plan ahead and avoid travel if possible. This also allows road crews to clear roads faster and speeds the response of emergency crews.”
 
In addition to the State Emergency Management Agency operating SEOC around the clock, other state agencies have mobilized to respond. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has extended shifts in areas expected to be affected, and all available four-wheel drive vehicles have been prepared to respond, among other preparations. The Missouri Department of Transportation continues to treat roads for snow and ice and has shifted staff to areas expected to be most impacted. Other state agencies are working with their local partners.
 
The Governor cautions Missourians who see downed power lines to report them immediately to their electric utility; to stay away from the downed lines; and to warn others to do so as well.
 
The forecast also calls for frigid temperatures and the potential for another storm system over the weekend. Gov. Nixon encourages Missourians to take steps to protect themselves and their families, including:
 
Listen to radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information, or visit the state's Web site, MO.gov, for comprehensive emergency information.

If you must drive, check MO.gov for road conditions before departing. Dial the Missouri State Highway Patrol's emergency line -- *55  from a cellular phone - if you encounter an accident while driving.

Check on the elderly and neighbors who may be in need of additional assistance. For information about emergency services and resources, visit MO.gov.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available for most areas of Missouri. In areas where the 211 service is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626.

Stoddard County, Missouri - Issued by the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky - WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THURSDAY TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY...

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THURSDAY TO 6 PM CST FRIDAY.

* TIMING... FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA THURSDAY AFTERNOON... WITH THE PRECIPITATION TRANSITIONING TO SLEET AND SNOW QUICKLY THURSDAY NIGHT BEFORE WINDING DOWN FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

* AMOUNTS... 5 TO 7 INCHES OF SLEET AND SNOW ARE EXPECTED... WITH SOME VERY MINOR ICING POSSIBLE BENEATH IT.

* MAIN IMPACTS... TREACHEROUS DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY. IN ADDITION... SOME ISOLATED POWER OUTAGES CANNOT BE RULED OUT... WHERE FREEZING RAIN IS MOST PREVALENT... MAINLY ACROSS THE SOUTHERN PORTIONS OF SOUTHEAST MISSOURI.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW... SLEET... AND ICE ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. STRONG WINDS ARE ALSO POSSIBLE. THIS WILL MAKE TRAVEL VERY HAZARDOUS OR IMPOSSIBLE. IF YOU MUST TRAVEL... KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT... FOOD... AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Editor

Southeast Missouri - An Arctic cold front will move through the area tonight. A pair of disturbances will move northeast across the area beginning Thursday afternoon and continuing through the day Friday. As temperatures drop below freezing, a wintry mix of precipitation is expected across the entire region.

Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 3 pm Thursday to 6 pm CST Friday.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from 3 pm Thursday to 6 pm CST Friday.

• Timing: Freezing rain and sleet will overspread the area Thursday afternoon, with the precipitation transitioning to sleet and snow quickly Thursday night before winding down Friday afternoon.
• Amounts, 5 to 7 inches of sleet and snow are expected, with some very minor icing possible beneath it.
• Main impacts: treacherous driving conditions are likely from Thursday afternoon through Friday. In addition. Some isolated power outages cannot be ruled out, where freezing rain is most prevalent, mainly across the southern portions of southeast Missouri.

Southeast Missouri - Missourians may see their first widespread winter event this week, as accumulating snow and ice are forecast for much of the state on Thursday and Friday.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is carefully monitoring weather forecasts and preparing to plow and treat state routes as needed. Travelers should also take their own precautions, as the first bout of snow or ice means motorists' winter driving skills may be a bit rusty.

Remember that even light precipitation can cause roads to become slick with ice or snow. While MoDOT works hard to treat and plow Missouri highways when winter weather hits, it's important to allow extra time for travel and to check road conditions before you head out. Remember the following tips when driving in inclement weather:

* Slow down

* Steer and brake gently

* Accelerate slowly at intersections

* Allow extra space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you

* Stay back 100 feet from snow plows that may be spreading salt

* Avoid passing snow plows, even when on a multi-lane road

* Be aware that bridges and overpasses generally experience
             freezing conditions first

One of the best ways to prepare for winter travel is to check road conditions before you go. MoDOT's Traveler Information Map, at www.modot.org, provides current road conditions for Missouri's interstates and major highways. Conditions for these routes are color coded to give you the information you need at a glance.

For smartphone and tablet users, the Traveler Information App brings the same information to mobile devices. The app is available for free from the iPhone and Android app stores by searching for "MoDOT."

MoDOT also provides road conditions information through our Customer Service Center. Dial 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) to speak to one of our expert customer service representatives. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Stoddard County, Missouri - The National Weather Service in Paducah Kentucky has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Quad State Region for Thursday Night and Friday. Travel across the area during that time will be hazardous at times.

Click on the following link to learn more about the timing and impacts of the upcoming Winter Storm on your area.

Click HERE for the National Weather Service website.