JEFFERSON CITY – Rain turning to snow is scheduled to hit mid-Missouri beginning tomorrow afternoon and continuing through the nighttime hours. The snow will initially cause roads to be wet, but will likely turn roads snowy and slushy, especially later Friday.
Missouri Department of Transportation officials urge motorists to drive with care and allow extra time for travel.
“The calendar may say it’s spring, but Mother Nature isn’t following suit,” said MoDOT Central District Maintenance Engineer Jason Shafer. “Drivers shouldn’t let their guard down. Snow showers in April can cause just as many problems as they do at other times of the year.”
MoDOT crews will carefully monitor road conditions and treat and plow state-maintained bridges and overpasses as needed.
Motorists should be aware that bridges and overpasses generally freeze first, so they should use caution, reduce speed and brake gently in these areas. Shafer encourages motorists to allow extra time for their travels and slow down if they encounter slick conditions.
“Even a little precipitation can cause slippery roads, so drivers need to be alert and drive for the conditions,” Shafer said.
MoDOT offers a variety of tools to help drivers get where they are going safely. The department’s Traveler Information Map, located at www.modot.org, offers the latest road conditions, as well as real-time traffic flow and traffic cameras that provide a view of traffic on the interstates.
MoDOT also has a toll-free customer service line which is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. A customer service representative can be reached by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
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