Jan 15, 2021

MoDOT workers fight snow and high winds to clear roads

Posted Jan 15, 2021 5:22 PM
Stock Photo Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation 
Stock Photo Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Transportation 

By MATT PIKE

St. Joseph Post

As snow continues to fall in St. Joseph and across Northwest Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation is working hard to keep roads safe.

Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says the department is expecting to see 2 to 4 inches of snow fall and that a big concern is the heavy winds blowing snow back onto the roadways.

"The winds are going to stay strong, we do expect it to starty dying off this afternoon sometime though," Redline tells St. Joseph Post "But those winds are still going to be a problem even once the snow stops."

MoDOT is advising motorists to stay home as much as they can. Redline adds that if you have to get out, just be very careful.

"If you can stay home and don't have to get out please don't, if you do have to go though, be sure to check the traveler information map first to see if we have any road closures for the crashes or whiteout."

(You can find a link to the MoDOT Traveler Information Map HERE)

Snowplows are out in full force today as falling snow and fierce winds make for difficult travel conditions.

Missouri Department of Transportation officials say snowplow drivers are working hard to keep roads clear in tough driving conditions.

Northwest District Engineer Chris Redline says that if motorists do not have to go out, they should stay home. But, if you need to get out, be sure to buckle up and watch for snowplows.

"When your out there please give all the trucks plenty of room to work, and watch out for changing conditions," Redline says "We're hearing some reports of some snow bands coming through now, so it could get really light and clear and then all of a sudden your getting hit with heavy snow again so things could change real quick if your out."

Redline adds the department is expecting to see at least 2 to 4 inches of snow. He says the high winds could blow more snow back onto the roadways.

MoDOT urges drivers that have to get out to be sure to buckle up and be sure to give snowplows plenty of room to work.