By Matt Markgraf
Murray, KY – Winter storm remains likely across southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, west Kentucky and southwest Indiana from midnight Thursday through midnight Friday night. The winter storm warning is now in effect from midnight tonight until 6 a.m. Saturday.
An upper level storm system will approach the region today and move slowly east across the area tonight through Friday night. At the surface, low pressure is forecast to track east across the Gulf Coast states. Six to eight inches of snow is expected to develop across southeast Missouri this evening, then spread east into southern Illinois and western Kentucky late tonight into Friday. Significant snow accumulations will be possible along and south of a line from Marble Hill, Missouri to Vienna, Illinois to Greenville, Kentucky. Lesser amounts are expected north of that line. The greatest potential for accumulation will be along and just north of the Tennessee and Arkansas state lines. The snow could be mixed with sleet over the extreme southern sections at the onset tonight.
Travel conditions will deteriorate rapidly tonight and into Friday and remain extremely hazardous into Friday night and Saturday. Visibility may be poor with gusty north winds. Temperatures will be in the 20s through most of the event. This potential winter storm may affect much of southern Missouri, northern Arkansas and Tennessee as well for those with travel plans that extend beyond the local area.
A winter storm warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Periods of snow will cause primarily travel difficulties. Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities and use caution while driving.