Jan. 7—The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency informed residents about precautions they can take to stay safe during cold weather conditions on Tuesday afternoon.
One of the tips shared by SEMA through social media on Tuesday, Jan. 7, is to watch out for black ice.
SEMA wrote, “Conditions across the state are stabilizing, but please continue to use extra caution if you have to be out tomorrow. Frigid temps overnight will cause refreezing, especially on entrance and exit ramps, outer roads, and non-interstates. Take it SLOW and leave plenty of room for road crews still working very hard on cleanup!”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated that “black ice can form on any road but also along curbs and drainage areas due to melting snow.”
According to the NOAA, black ice occurs more often overnight, however it can still form in the daytime.
“Use caution driving during freezing temperatures after rain or snowmelt,” the NOAA advised drivers.
Additionally SEMA recommended that drivers consult the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Map prior to getting on the roads.
SEMA reported just a few hours ago on Tuesday, Jan. 7, about the state of Missouri’s current forecast according to the National Weather Service location in St. Louis.
SEMA shared the current Missouri forecast through social media on Tuesday afternoon saying, “Bitterly cold temps will persist throughout this week, remaining below freezing until at least Friday with morning lows near zero and wind chill values approaching -15 to -20 in some areas.”
“Long-term exposure in these conditions can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Dress in layers, limit time outdoors and check on vulnerable friends and neighbors,” SEMA wrote. “Continue to use caution while driving as refreezing and road cleanup continues to be a challenge in this weather.”
MoDOT’s Traveler Map can be found at traveler.modot.org.
For more safety information about black ice, visit weather.gov.
For more cold weather safety information from SEMA, visit its website at sema.dps.mo.gov.
For current weather forecast information from your area download News-Press NOW’s Storm Tracker App through the Apple store or the Google Play store.