Small amount of winter weather expected for Butler County

Poplar Bluff streets were treated Wednesday with salt brine, before a winter weather event expected bring small amounts of freezing rain and snow.

“We’d rather be proactive than reactionary,” said Jerry Lawson, street superintendent.

The street department has only needed to treat streets one other time during this winter season, he said.

The National Weather Service expects the bulk of the winter weather to pass through the area during the overnight hours from Wednesday into Thursday.

A mix of freezing rain, snow and rain is predicted.

“Right now, ice and snow accumulation are supposed to be fairly light,” said NWS meteorologist Sean Poulos.

A dusting of snow and less than one-tenth of an inch of ice are predicted for Butler County, he said.

Some areas with higher elevations, including Reynolds,Wayne and Carter counties could see more, Poulos said, but still are not expected to have significant amounts.

“Secondary and less traveled roads may see little bit of accumulation,” he said.

The temperature is expected to be above freezing by noon Thursday.

The weather system is moving in from the southern Plains region, and central Oklahoma, slowly migrating into this area.

There is not substantial cold air associated with it, Poulos said.

Rain will follow the winter weather, with about half an inch of total precipitation expected through Friday night.