The Missouri State Highway Patrol is warning Missouri citizens of potentially hazardous weather conditions over the next few days.
Northern Missouri saw the first snow fall of the season Tuesday. In South Eastern Missouri, the National Weather Service is projecting for Thursday and Friday.
During the day Thursday there’s a change of rain in the morning before gradually clearing up with a high of 43 degrees and winds around 14-17 miles per hour.
In the evening, widespread frost is supposed to start settling in before midnight and continuing until around 10 a.m. Friday.
As snow, frost, rain and colder temperatures settle over the area traffic patterns can change and make driving hazardous. Lower overnight temperatures may cause wet roadways to freeze and become slick, according to highway patrol.
“The Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to pay attention to changing weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel this weekend,” according to a press release. “If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is completely clean from snow and ice, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce your speed when the roadway appears wet or snow is present.
“Do not use cruise control and increase your following distance. It is next to impossible to stop quickly on snow-covered or slick roads. Allow extra driving time for you to reach your destination at a slow, safe speed.”
According to Missouri state law, drivers using their windshield wipers must also have their headlights turned on.
The patrol also advises driving the speed limit during inclement weather is not considered “exercising the highest degree of care” and that responsibility rests on the driver.
Those who choose to travel in inclement weather are advised to keep their fuel tank at least half full. Having an ice scraper, battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in the trunk can help in an emergency.
If involved in a crash or slide off the roadway, motorists are advised to stay inside the vehicle with the seat belt on as vehicles often crash or slide off the roadway in the same location during such weather. The safest course of action is to contact law enforcement by cell phone from within the turned off vehicle.