SECOND WINTER STORM EVENT OF THE WEEK POSSIBLY BEGINNING TOMORROW MORNING
The first major snow storm of the year blanketed Southeast Missouri on Monday.
According to storm reports from the National Weather Service, snow measurements ranged from five inches to 12 inches across the region with multi foot snow drifts also reported.
Weather officials are also continuing to track a potential winter system that will impact our area on Wednesday and Thursday.
Officials say that there is the potential for significant wintry precipitation however, the exact types and amounts are yet to be determined. The potential is generally moderate for at least four inches of snow and/or sleet.
DRIVING IS STILL TREACHEROUS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI
Even though the first winter weather event of the week has come to an end, Missouri drivers are being advised that the roads are still very dangerous.
Snow plows have been working to get roads clean, but many major highways are still covered or partly covered this morning.
According to the Highway Patrol, Troopers in Southeast Missouri assisted 100 stranded motorists and worked 13 crashes Monday as of 7 pm. None of the crashes involved injuries or fatalities.
If you must travel today, 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. Keep your cellphone charged, but do not use it while driving.
While driving, remember to buckle up, give yourself plenty of extra time to get to your destination, and remember to give snowplows room to work. Don’t tailgate or attempt to pass them. In the event of a crash, stay buckled inside your vehicle until help arrives.
You can find road conditions online by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at traveler.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s free smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones.
MASS VACCINATION CLINICS IN MISSOURI CANCELLED FOR THIS WEEK
Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced Monday that all COVID-19 mass vaccination events in partnership with the Missouri National Guard, Department of Health and Senior Services, and State Emergency Management Agency scheduled for this week are being canceled due to extreme winter weather.
In Southeast Missouri that will include the clinic scheduled for Wednesday at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff. Officials with the Butler County Health Department say that residents can still go to CovidVaccine.mo.gov/navigator to register to be notified for when the event will be rescheduled.
The Carter County Health Center says that they have cancelled the vaccination clinics that were scheduled for today. No make-up date was announced however officials say that they will call with appointment times when the weather allows.
The Dunklin County Health Department has also postponed their mass vaccination clinic scheduled for Wednesday. The event has been rescheduled for Tuesday, February 23rd at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center.
Governor Parson went on to say that the cancellation of this week's mass vaccination events will not change weekly regional vaccine allocations.
RESIDENTS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI AND NORTHEAST ARKANSAS ASKED TO LIMIT ELECTRIC USE
The Winter Weather and cold temperatures has caused an extreme demand for electricity across the Midwest.
The Ozark Border Electric Cooperative has issued a peak alert effective immediately through Friday, February 19th. Members are asked to reduce their use of electricity as much as possible.
According to the Ozark Border, some of the things you can do to use less electricity include turning down your thermostat two to three degrees, minimizing the use of major appliances, using space heaters sparingly, turning off lights, and unplugging small appliances when not in use.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas as well as the Pemiscot-Dunklin Electric Cooperative have also been advising users on how to reduce electricity use.
ADDITIONAL WARMING CENTERS AVAILABLE TO HELP BATTLE THE COLD
Additional warming centers are available in Butler County to help people get out of the cold weather.
Night warming stations in Poplar Bluff have been set up at the Butler County Behavioral Health Clinic at 3001 Warrior Lane and at 2nd Baptist Church at 503 Pine Street.
Daytime warning centers in Poplar Bluff are still available at the Butler County Health Department and Poplar Bluff Public Library.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also made a website available for finding warming centers in your area at https://ogi.oa.mo.gov/DHSS/warmingCenter/. We also have a link to that page available on our website.
POPLAR BLUFF CITY COUNCIL COULD VOTE TODAY ON FINANCING FOR NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Poplar Bluff City Council is scheduled to meet tonight and the new Police Department facility is one of the items on the agenda.
There are three action required items on the agenda for the City Council meeting, the main being an ordinance authorizing the city to enter into an agreement for financing of the proposed Police Department facility.
The Council will also take action on separate ordinances implementing a seven dollar surcharge or fee to go specifically to the Statewide Court Automation Fund and allowing the city to enter into an agreement with Southwestern Power Administration.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 pm tonight at the City Council Chambers on 5th street.
