ST. LOUIS – Officials and first responders are urging drivers to stay off Missouri roadways through at least Wednesday morning as a powerful snowstorm intensifies and slams much of the state.

From Tuesday afternoon to Wednesday morning, an intense snowstorm will likely bring around 3-6 inches of snow to the immediate St. Louis metropolitan area, while communities farther south and west, particularly those closer to Cape Girardeau and Springfield, could see up to a foot of snow.

Bob Becker, a district maintenance engineer for MoDOT’s St. Louis district, emphasized the importance of staying home unless travel is neccessary during a Monday news conference.

“For all of those folks, if they can avoid travel tomorrow and Wednesday morning, that would be appreciated because there’s a lot going on,” said Becker. “This is going to take some time to clear off as much snow as was predicted to come down. If you do need to get out and you can adjust your schedule and stay at home, that would be appreciated.”

First responders around the St. Louis metropolitan area echoed similar sentiments on Tuesday morning:

Cpl. Dallas Thompson with the Missouri State Highway Patrol says, “There’s another chance for more snow to come in a heavier wave. We need people to think about that going forward. If you can get home early, get home early, and avoid traveling this afternoon.”

“Roads are extremely slick,” said the Eureka Fire Protection District, following an earlier, fluffier round of snow Tuesday morning.

“Please stay off the roadways if you don’t need to be out today,” said the Wentzville Fire Protection District.

“If you don’t have to be outside, stay warm and cozy,” said the St. Peters Police Department.

“If you can afford to stay home, please do. The less cars on the road this morning, the safer we all will be,” said the Chesterfield Police Department.

The City of St. Louis says, “Please slow down on the roads and avoid parking on snow routes if possible.” A list of snow routes can be found here.

The New Haven Police Department shared a lighthearted cautionary message for anyone who takes on the roads with heavy snow approaching: “If you rarely drive on snow, just pretend you’re taking your grandma to a family reunion. There is a platter of cookies and 2 gallons of fruit punch in glass jars in the backseat. She’s wearing a new dress and holding a crock pot full of chili.”