WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY AND WIND CHILL WARNING TO GO INTO EFFECT TODAY
Weather officials are warning of chances of snow and dangerously low wind chills today in Southeast Missouri.
According to the National Weather Service in Paducah, a Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect through late this evening due to expected snow accumulations across the area. Poplar Bluff could see up to two inches of snow today.
High winds and low temperatures will cause a wind chill warning to go into effect this evening. Officials say that wind chills as low as around 20 degrees below zero are expected.
Weather officials say that motorists should plan on slippery road conditions, especially during the evening commute. Patchy blowing snow could also significantly reduce visibility.
The cold wind chills could also cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
MAN FOUND DEAD FOLLOWING FIRE IN POPLAR BLUFF
A man has been found dead following a fire in Poplar Bluff Wednesday morning.
According to officials, crews responded to the scene of a fire at a residence on Wilcox Road shortly after 8 am on Wednesday.
After extinguishing the fire, crews located a deceased male inside the residence.
According to Butler County Coroner Jim Akers, the male has been identified as Josh Lawson, of Poplar Bluff.
The Fire Marshall's office is investigating the cause for the fire.
River Radio sends its condolences to the Lawson Family.
SEARCH UNDERWAY FOR SUSPECT WHO SHOT AT A STATE TROOPER IN CARTER COUNTY
A search is underway for a man who shot at a state trooper in Carter County.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at approximately 1:19 am on Sunday, a trooper attempted to stop a white, 2006 Cadillac Escalade with a Minnesota registration of DWH-273, for failing to signal on Parsons Road, north of US Highway 60.
A short pursuit ensued, during which the suspect stopped his vehicle, exited, and began firing upon the Trooper. The Trooper's patrol car was struck several times, but the Trooper remained uninjured. The suspect vehicle fled the scene, traveling in an unknown direction.
The driver has been identified as 47-year-old Christopher Storlie.
Officials say that Storlie may be traveling to Illinois and has ties to the state of Minnesota.
Anyone with information on Storlie's whereabouts is asked to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control at 417-469-3121.
DONETTES CLAIM CHAMPIONSHIP AT LADY ROYALS CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
The Doniphan girls’ basketball team has received a championship for Christmas.
The Donettes defeated East Carter 38-36 Wednesday night to win the 25th Annual Lady Royals Christmas Classic.
Also at the Christmas Classic on Wednesday, Neelyville beat Dexter in the 3rd place game, Kennett defeated Piggott in the 5th place game, and Kelly was victorious over Cape Central for the consolation bracket championship.
UNITED GOSPEL RESCUE MISSION TO PROVIDE CHRISTMAS MEALS
Preparations are underway for the United Gospel Rescue Mission’s Christmas Meal.
The Rescue Mission in Poplar Bluff will be providing meals on Sunday, December 25th and is asking for support from the community.
Officials say that they need volunteers to help prepare meals every day from 9 am to noon starting today. On Christmas Day, the Rescue Mission will also need assistance to prepare and serve the meals. They are also in need of drivers to deliver the meals.
If you would like more information, want to volunteer, or would like to donate a dessert, call 573-785-4683.
MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL REMINDS MOTORISTS TO DRIVE SAFE OVER CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive safely during the Christmas holiday weekend.
Remember to check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance.
Officials are also urging everyone to pay attention to weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel. If conditions dictate, avoid driving on Missouri’s roadways. If you must drive, be sure to increase your following distance, as stopping quickly on wet, snowy, or icy roads can be hazardous or impossible.
Leaving five seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you is always a smart idea, especially in inclement weather.
According to the Highway Patrol, last year there were 881 traffic crashes during the Christmas counting period. In those crashes, eight people were killed and another 401 were injured.
The 2022 Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6 pm on Friday and ends at 11:59 pm on Monday, December 26th.
If you face a traffic emergency, you can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.
TIPS FOR GOING OUTSIDE IN COLDER WEATHER
With much colder temperatures arriving today, the CDC is reminding people to be safe if they have to go outside.
Officials say that you should try to stay indoors during extremely cold weather and any trips that you do make outside should be as brief as possible.
If you do go outside, you should try to wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, and mittens or gloves.
Also do your best to stay dry, as wet clothing chills the body quickly.
Make sure to watch for hypothermia as well. In adults, warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion or feeling very tired, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. In babies, signs include bright red, cold skin, and very low energy.
More information is available at cdc.gov.
DRIVER EXAMINATION STATIONS TO BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
The Holiday season is here and state officials are reminding motorists that driver examinations will not be available on select days.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, driver examination stations throughout the state will be closed on Monday, December 26th in observance of Christmas.
Driver Examination Stations will also be closed on Monday, January 2nd for the New Year’s Day holiday.
