FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 06, 2019


Governor Parson Urges Missourians to Limit Travel as Hazardous Conditions Take Hold across Missouri

Governor met tonight with state emergency managers and responders at State Emergency Operations Center

Following a meeting with members of his emergency management team at the State Emergency Operations Center, Governor Mike Parson urged Missourians to pay close attention to their local forecast, to limit travel as necessary, and give emergency responders and road crews room to do their jobs through Thursday.

 “A potentially dangerous weather system is blanketing much of Missouri, bringing with it everything from freezing rain and accumulating ice to the potential for flooding and even tornadoes,” Governor Parson said. “Freezing rain led to hundreds of calls for service to the Missouri State Highway Patrol and more than 100 traffic crashes in the Kansas City area on Tuesday. I ask that everyone pay attention to their local forecast, check the MoDOT Traveler Information Map and limit travel until conditions improve, which is expected to occur by noon on Thursday.”

The National Weather Service has issued an Ice Storm Warning for 44 counties extending from southwest Missouri to northeast Missouri until noon on Thursday. Spotty freezing is forecast for parts of northeast Missouri, with the potential for isolated thunderstorms and small hail. Severe storms with large hail, damaging winds and even tornadoes are possible Wednesday evening into Thursday morning for southwest into south central Missouri. Scattered severe thunderstorms are possible late Wednesday night into Thursday morning for parts of southeast Missouri, which could also lead to flooding.

The State Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 3, partial activation, with key personnel on duty overnight. At SEOC, the Governor met with Department of Public Safety Director Sandy Karsten, Major Gen. Steve Danner, adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard, State Emergency Management Agency Director Ron Walker and Lt. Col. Eric Olson, Missouri State Highway Patrol acting superintendent.   

The Governor advises Missourians to:

  • Follow their local weather forecast for updates, along with news coverage of local condition and the MoDOT Traveler Information Map: http://traveler.modot.org/map/index.html .
  • Limit travel when possible.
  • Slow down and allow extra time when travel is necessary.
  • Increase following distance.
  • Beware of black ice, particularly on bridges and overpasses.
  • Allow emergency responders and road crews room to do their work.
  • Check on the elderly and those who may need additional help.


-END-

For more information, call 573-751-6294 or e-mail caty.luebbert@sema.dps.mo.gov