By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Dangerously cold temperatures have hit the area and are expected to run through Saturday as people travel for the Christmas holiday.
Missouri Highway Patrol Sergeant Shane Hux with Troop H in St. Joseph says with wind chills that could dip as low as 40 below in the upcoming winter storm, people should limit travel as much as possible.
"Something happens and you're in a motor vehicle out there on the roadway, you don't have much time before hypothermia sets in things like that, so that's it's always important to be prepared," Hux tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "And if you don't have to travel, unless it's an emergency, we recommend that you stay home, when weather conditions make driving hazardous drive only when it's absolutely necessary."
Hux says if you have to get out and travel be sure to give yourself ample time to get to your destination and to be sure to reduce your speeds and following distances as you drive.
Large amounts of snow will bring out snowplows to clear the roads for drivers. Hux says if you attempt to pass one of these plows, do so with caution.
"Prior to passing them make sure you know which way the snow is blowing, because if it's blowing the way you're going to pass them the same direction, that is obviously going to impede your visibility," Hux says.
Hux says it's also important to remember on the ice- and snow-covered roads to not use the cruise control in your car.
"Whenever the roads are snow covered or appear to be icy, increase your following distance and allow that extra driving time for you to reach your destination at a slow safe speed," Hux explains.
The winter storm is hitting right at the beginning of the Christmas travel period for the Missouri Highway Patrol, which runs Friday through Monday.
Hux says with these conditions as you travel for your holiday plans, be sure to give yourself extra time to get to your destination.
"When you're out there on the highway make sure that you increase your following distance, stopping quickly on wet, snowy, or icy roads can be hazardous or impossible, that's why we recommend that you leave five seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you," Hux says. "Also, decreasing your speed based upon the weather conditions."
The National Weather Service is calling for two to four inches of snow in the area today and running through tomorrow.
A wind chill warning is also in effect through Saturday with wind chills as low as 35 below zero expected.