(By MATT PIKE)
Bitterly cold temperatures are striking the area starting today and going throughout the weekend.
Shane Hux with the Missouri Highway Patrol Troop H says as these conditions ravage the area
"We’re not advising any type of travel, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. “It’s kind of nice that it’s on a weekend, but yet that’s when a lot of people get out and do some traveling.”
Knowing people will have to travel this weekend, Hux says to be sure your vehicle is road worthy and to be prepared for the worst
“Have some blankets in there, extra coats, hats, gloves, warm shoes, and then make sure your cell phone is fully charged, have an extra charger with you,” Hux explains. “If you’re going on long distance travel, medications, take those with you.”
Hux says every trooper available will be out patrolling during this winter storm, but there still may be delayed response due to the weather, so it's best to be prepared. He adds if you do have to travel, and you become stranded, it's best to stay in your car
"Reason why that’s important is because we have seen people who exit their vehicle, are then struck by vehicles, so it’s a lot safer for you to be inside your vehicle,” Hux says. “But you want to make sure that your vehicle is not in a snow drift, and your exhaust is covered up with snow to cause that carbon monoxide.”
Hux says when it comes to the first winter event of the year, people usually aren't as prepared, but luckily this isn't the first of this winter
“We hope that people adhere to the advance warnings that have been in place by the National Weather Service, and like I said, just avoid at all costs any unnecessary travel,” Hus says.
If you do get stranded, contact 911 or *55 for assistance.
(You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.)