ICE STORM WARNING CONTINUES THROUGH THIS EVENING
Freezing rain and sleet blanketed Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas yesterday causing numerous school and business closures as well as treacherous road conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, an Ice Storm Warning will continue to be in effect today through noon for Northeast Arkansas and the Missouri bootheel and through 6 pm for parts of the rest of Southeast Missouri.
Weather officials say that additional ice or sleet accumulations are possible today. These accumulations could result in some tree damage and power outages.
DRIVERS URGED TO STAY OFF ROADS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Freezing rain and sleeting continued overnight across Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas and Missouri state officials are urging people to stay off the roads if possible.
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, while crews will be working continuous 12 hour shifts through these storms, bitterly cold temperatures can delay clean-up. Chemicals used to treat the roads start to lose their effectiveness below 25 degrees.
Officials say that people should avoid driving if possible, particularly in areas where icing is occurring.
If you must be out, make sure you have a full tank of gas, extra blankets and gloves as well as provisions like water and snacks in the event of an emergency. Stay inside your vehicle in the event of a crash or slide off.
Once conditions improve, motorists should give snowplows room to work. You can find information about road conditions by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at MoDOT.org or through MoDOT’s smartphone app.
WINTER WEATHER CAUSES DANGEROUS ROAD CONDITIONS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Yesterday’s winter weather caused dangerous driving conditions over most of Southeast Missouri.
According to Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, as of 8 pm on Wednesday, Southeast Missouri troopers had responded to almost 76 stranded motorists and 96 crashes. 11 of the crashes involved injuries.
There were no fatal crashes reported Wednesday in Troop E.
MULTIPLE VACCINE CLINICS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY CANCELLED
Multiple COVID-19 vaccine clinics that were scheduled for today have been cancelled due to the weather.
The Dunklin County Health Department announced yesterday that their vaccine clinic has been rescheduled for February 17th at First Baptist Church Family Life Center. Officials say that everyone will keep their same appointment times.
Officials with the Carter County Health Center say that they have tentatively rescheduled all doses that were going to be done today to February 16th at the same scheduled times.
STUDENT RUN MERCHANDISE STORE OPENED AT POPLAR BLUFF HIGH SCHOOL
A student run merchandise store has opened at Poplar Bluff High School.
The grand opening of The Stable was held before the Mules homecoming game last week. The retail space is located between the gymnasium and the cafeteria, and sells Mules T-shirts, cups and other school spirit memorabilia, as well as some practical items such as phone chargers and earbuds.
According to student leaders, the plan is to operate the store during varsity basketball games and then hopefully during the school day next school year. If approved, students managing the business would gain credit hours.
All proceeds benefit the Student Council organization.
TWO ARRESTED IN NEW MADRID COUNTY ON FELONY FIREARM CHARGES
Two Illinois residents were taken into custody early Wednesday morning in Southeast Missouri on firearm and drug charges.
According to authorities, 21 year old Henry Taylor and 20 year old Jamarre McNeal, both of Danville, Illinois, were arrested in New Madrid County on felony charges of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Both men are also facing charges of possession of marijuana and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
