WINTER STORM WARNING TO GO INTO EFFECT AT NOON
A Winter Storm warning will go into effect for Southeast Missouri at noon today.
Officials with the National Weather Service in Paducah say that heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations of 2 to 5 inches, along with ice accumulations of one tenth of an inch are possible with some locations seeing higher amounts.
With this storm power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice. Officials say that travel could be nearly impossible and should be avoided until absolutely necessary.
The warning is currently set to be in effect until 6 am on Friday.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson issued a State of Emergency yesterday to prepare state resources in advance of the storm.
RESIDENTS ADVISED TO AVOID DRIVING DURING WINTER WEATHER
Southeast Missouri residents are being advised to avoid all non-essential travel starting this afternoon and evening.
Ice, sleet, and snowfall accumulations will be creating dangerous conditions for driving over the next few days.
If you must travel during the winter storm, make sure to 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.
TAKE STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME DURING WINTER WEATHER STORM
With winter weather coming into the area followed by temperatures dropping close to the single digits later this week, have you taken steps to make sure that your home is ready?
According to the American Red Cross, you can open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
When you notice the temperatures getting below freezing, you can also start a cold water drip from your faucets.
In the event you were to lose power, you can close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat. Also remember to wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Eating and drinking can also help you stay warm as food provides energy to warm the body.
STODDARD COUNTY PROSECUTOR TO SEEK DEATH PENALTY IN MURDER CASE
Officials in Stoddard County have announced that they will be seeking the death penalty in a murder case from last year.
Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver tells KWOC News that he intends to seek the death penalty for Boyd Lippoldt in connection to the November 5th, 2021 homicide of Frank Morris, near Dexter.
The case is currently in the Circuit Court of Cape Girardeau County on a change of venue from Stoddard County.
THREE INJURED IN EARLY MORNING WRECK NEAR DONIPHAN
Three Doniphan residents were injured in a wreck early Tuesday morning.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred when a vehicle driven by 31 year old Amber Harris crossed the center line of Missouri Highway 21, near Doniphan, and struck a truck head on.
Harris suffered serious injuries in the wreck and was flown to a St. Louis hospital.
Two men in the truck were also seriously injured and flown to a Memphis hospital.
