Updated 01/10/2025 at 12:42 pm
Another Round of Severe Winter Weather Moves Across Region Friday
Just as the region was recovering from hours, and for some, days-long power outages in more rural areas of Missouri, the National Weather Service in Paducah predicted another round of Severe Winter Weather would reach the region around Friday, January 10, beginning around midnight, with a Winter Storm Warning, issued for portions of southern Illinois, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. The new Winter Storm Warning and Winter Weather Advisory was issued Wednesday, January 8.
Early Friday morning, January 10th, Southeast Missouri State University announced another winter weather-related closure for the main campus, River Campus, and regional campuses in Sikeston and Kennett.
For the latest information, visit the following resources:
Missouri Department of Transportation: Traveler Information Map
Ameren Missouri: Ameren Outage Map
Citizens Electric Coop: Citizens Electric Outage Map
Ozark Border Electric Coop: Ozark Border Electric Outage Map
National Weather Service: Paducah, KY Forecast Office.
State Emergency Management Agency: Winter Weather Preparedness
Warming Centers ( via Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services): Statewide Designated Warming Centers (Hours and Requirements May Vary: Call First)
Original Story: January 6, 2025
As a massive storm swept through Southeast Missouri early Sun. Jan. 5th, 2025, residents were advised to take precautions as hazardous conditions continued across the region. The storm brought ice, low temperatures, and about 6 to 8 inches of snow in parts of eastern and southern Missouri. This has made travel difficult, caused power outages, and disrupted many activities across the state.
Road Conditions
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reports that roadways remain dangerous, especially on bridges and overpasses. Their crews are working hard in order to treat the roads, but officials advise residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
“Drivers need to avoid traveling until conditions improve sometime on Monday,” said MoDOT Chief Safety and Operations Officer Becky Allmeroth. “For the remainder of this weekend, travel should be limited to emergencies only. These difficult conditions will also delay response times for our crews and emergency response partners.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has responded to hundreds of incidents statewide. Their latest report shows 436 crashes, 1,788 stranded motorists assisted, and 3,134 service calls. Sadly, the storm has caused at least one death and 38 injuries in Missouri alone.
Power Outages
Power outages affect thousands of people in the region. Ameren Missouri reports that over 23,000 customers are currently without power. Impacted areas include Cape Girardeau, Iron, St. Francois, Scott, and Washington counties. Crews are working to restore power, but efforts are being slowed down by the harsh conditions. Updates on outages can be viewed on the Ameren Missouri Outage Map.
Storm Damage
Freezing rain has caused significant damage to infrastructure, with downed trees and power lines reported in Madison County. The Fredericktown Fire Department describes the situation as “significant and ongoing.” Meanwhile, local emergency services have been stretched thin responding to storm-related incidents. (Spectrum News)
Campus Closures
On Mon. Jan. 6th, Southeast Missouri State University announced the closure of the main campus in Cape Girardeau, as well as the Sikeston and Kennett regional campuses. The campuses opened back up on Tues. Jan. 7th.
With conditions expected to remain hazardous, authorities urged residents to stay indoors and limit travel.
