ST. LOUIS — A winter storm system will move into the St. Louis area this weekend, delivering up to eight inches of mixed precipitation in three waves. The system is expected to begin late Saturday night and continue through late Sunday, impacting Monday morning’s commute.
Location will determine precipitation type, with areas north of I-70 seeing mainly heavy snow, while communities south of metro St. Louis face significant icing. The metro area sits in a transition zone with many forms of winter precipitation in the forecast.
Expected Accumulations
Wave 1: 1-3 inches snow/sleet (north of I-70)
Wave 2: Up to ¼ inch freezing rain plus sleet
Wave 3: 2-4 inches snow
The first wave arrives late Saturday night with snow transitioning to sleet and freezing rain, with accumulations from 1-3 inches. Wave two brings freezing rain and sleet Sunday morning through the afternoon. The final wave Sunday evening returns to all snow, delivering an additional 2-4 inches, depending on where it falls in the region.
Winter weather advisory
A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for the greater St. Louis region. The National Weather Service has issued a warning about the icy precipitation that could create wintry conditions from Saturday evening through late Sunday night.
The combination of heavy snow and substantial ice accumulation raises concerns about power outages and tree damage throughout the affected areas. Travel conditions are expected to become hazardous, with officials warning that road travel could become “nearly impossible” during the height of the storm. The Monday morning commute is likely to be significantly impacted.
The storm is still moving across the U.S. to Missouri. The timing and impact of the weather may change over time. Check back to see the latest forecast as it develops.