ST. LOUIS – Our next winter storm is here. Snow is expected across the area now through early Wednesday morning.
The change this morning is not an unexpected one. The strong high pressure and dry air on the northern/northeastern edge of the region have brought overall snowfall totals down, especially along and north of I-70. There will be a very tight geographic drop-off between the more significant snow to the south and an almost snow-free area to the north.
Bands of light snow are drifting across the Bistate area early Tuesday morning. Overnight accumulations may reach up to 1 inch, especially along I-70 and the Missouri River. With the bitterly cold temps, this snow is sticking to roads and will cause some trouble for the morning commute. Winds are also blowing that light, airy snow around and may lower visibility.
The heavier round of snow is still set to move in Tuesday afternoon and continue Tuesday night. South of I-70, this will be a very impactful event. Again, along and north of I-70, including the St. Louis metro, snowfall totals have come down a bit because of colder/drier air pushing this system to the south. Snow will come to an end early Wednesday.
South of I-44 in MO and I-64 in IL, snowfall rates may be more than one inch per hour at times. The highest snowfall totals are expected south of an Owensville, MO to De Soto, MO to Pinckneyville, IL line, where 8 to 12 inches are possible. Just north of there, including for the southern edge of metro St. Louis, more than 4 inches are expected. Along I-70, 2 to 4 inches are expected. From Bowling Green, MO to Jerseyville, IL over to Vandalia, IL, 1 to 2 inches are expected with spots to 3 inches.
Temperatures are very cold and will stay very cold through Friday. Any snow that falls will stick to untreated and less used roads. Travel will be extremely tough to the southwest of metro St. Louis, where the highest totals are expected.
To look at the list of schools and businesses closing in the St. Louis region, click here.