Westbound I-44 is closed at the Missouri – Oklahoma state line until further notice due to multiple crashes involving trucks on the Oklahoma Turnpike.
MODOT says all drivers should seek an alternate route or prepare to stop and seek shelter.
The final opportunity to exit from I-44 is Exit 18 at Fidelity which will take drivers to I-49 North.
Westbound I-44 is closed at the Missouri – Oklahoma state line until further notice due to multiple crashes involving trucks on the Oklahoma Turnpike.
MODOT says all drivers should seek an alternate route or prepare to stop and seek shelter.
The final opportunity to exit from I-44 is Exit 18 at Fidelity which will take drivers to I-49 North.
The hazardous winter weather caused an annual event in Springfield to be cancelled.
The Springfield chapter of the NAACP sent out at news release announcing that this year’s MLK March and Program has been cancelled due to the weather because of, quote, “great concern for the safety and well-being of everyone.”
Snow covered roads and bitterly cold temperatures have forced several schools in the Ozarks to call off class Monday.
Here’s the list of public schools not in session:
Eminence
Fordland
Laclede County (Joel E. Barber) (Will make this day up on 1/26)
Laclede County R-1 (Conway) (AMI Day #2)
Raymondville R-7 (AMI Day #1)
Swedeborg
Wheaton
Winona
Snow began falling in the Ozarks around mid-morning Sunday, shifting from west to east across the area.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for areas generally along and south of I-44, including the Springfield metro area, until midnight Monday morning.
Light to moderate snow will continue into Sunday night, with accumulations of one to two inches likely, especially along and south of Highway 60.
Localized higher amounts are possible along the Missouri-Arkansas border, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect for several counties in northern Arkansas.
Impacts to travel are expected. Check out road conditions in southwest Missouri and across the state here with the MoDOT Traveler Information Map.
Watch for snow-covered roads, some slick spots and reduced visibilities during active snowfall.
As of 1:20 p.m. roads are becoming snow covered in Branson.
Use caution when doing any travel Sunday night and Monday morning.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory.
The winter weather advisory will be in effect from 10 AM Sunday to midnight Sunday night for most of south central and southwest Missouri.
There is a possibility of 2 inches of snow and wind chills as low as 25 below zero.
Low wind chills may lead to frostbite.
Road conditions could become treacherous.
The Weather Service recommends people stay indoors.
Deputies in Greene County are searching for information regarding the case of an animal that was tortured, leading to its death.
The dog, a one-year-old Blue Heeler, was found by a person along Farm Road 197 near Fellow Lake earlier this week.
Reports say the animal was transported to a local veterinarian, where zipties were discovered on the dog’s legs, as well as burn marks up and down her body.
Veterinarians did all they could, but the animal eventually died.
If you have any information, contact the Greene County Sheriff’s Office at (417) 829-6230.
A statement from the sheriff’s office, and an image of the dog, can be found below:
“It is with much sadness but we must inform you that this beautiful little puppy didn’t survive. She fought hard all day. Despite the best efforts of the hero citizen who found her and took immediate lifesaving action, and the caring treatment by the veterinary team, she passed away this evening.
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is devoted to bringing justice to those responsible for this heinous and disgusting act against an innocent and defenseless creature.
We need the public’s assistance to solve this unspeakable crime. Please share this post and the photos until someone recognizes this dog and provides the information our deputies need.
Again, if you have any information regarding this vile act of cruelty, please contact the Greene County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 417-829-6230.”
With severe winter weather hammering the Ozarks, some communities are getting power back.
Early morning thunderstorms in southwest Missouri knocked out power for residents in Ozark, Stone, and Taney counties on Friday.
The White River Valley Electric Cooperative said nearly 2,000 people were without electricity.
Crews were able to repair the damage and get power restored for most, if not all residents, by 8:00 a.m. Friday morning.
The following schools are closed due to the weather:
Ash Grove
Ava
Bakersfield
Billings
Cabool
Climax Springs
Dadeville
Dallas County R-1
Dixon
Everton
Hartville
Hermitage
Houston
Lakeland R-3 (Deepwater)
Laquey
Licking
Lutie
Macks Creek
Manes
Mansfield
Marion C. Early (Morrisville)
Marionville
Mountain Grove
Mountain View-Birch Tree- Liberty
Mt. Vernon
Newburg
Norwood
Osceola
Phelps County R-3
Plainview
Plato
Richland
Roscoe
Seymour
Skyline R-2 (Norwood)
Skyview
Success
Thornfield
Walnut Grove
Weaubleau
West Plains
Wheatland
Willow Springs
Governor Mike Parson has signed an executive order to prepare for winter weather expected in Missouri this weekend.
Governor Parson’s order suspends the regulations of hours for commercial vehicles that transport residential heating fuels.
The executive order also activates the Missouri National Guard for response efforts.
The executive order will expire on January 26 unless it has to be extended.