ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. – The St. Louis County area is gearing up for the next streak of bitter cold days and the potential for refreezing on roadways.

While Friday’s mild temperatures brought some relief, county crews, business owners, and residents alike are wasting no time getting ready.

Salt trucks were prepped as crews brace for the next round of extreme cold, bringing the possibility of melted snow to refreeze on roads. With Friday’s high temperature reaching a pleasant 56 degrees, many residents took advantage to prepare for the weekend.

“It’s pretty much my first day out. I really was just out grabbing supplies for the next go-round for crazy weather. I got my salt. I got my groceries. I tried to get a jump on the crowd,” resident Karrin Collins said. 

Others finally ventured out after being stuck at home due to the snow and ice.

“Where I live, my driveway is a long, steep slope, and there’s no way I could get up, so I had to wait until all this melted until I could get out, and I’m just getting out today,” another resident Stanley Gear added. 

Vanessa Robinson, owner of $1 Blingz in north county, noticed an increase in foot traffic thanks to the warmer weather.

“It was slow, but now things are a lot better. Customers are actually coming out, but yes, it is a whole letter than what it was. Now that the weather is good, everybody wants to shop now,” she said.

While Friday felt like a break from the bitter cold, falling temperatures will bring rain, icy roads, and dangerously cold conditions this weekend.

St. Louis County officials remind residents to drive cautiously and report any trouble spots.

County crews say they are ready, but the biggest challenge will come with the potential overnight freezes. For now, residents are encouraged to stay prepared as we head into another icy weekend.