Winter Storm in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

A major winter storm impacted southeast Missouri on the 24th with light to moderate snow developing during the morning hours. After a brief lull in the evening, moderate to heavy snow developed with a second wave that continued overnight into the morning hours of the 25th. Along and south of Route 34 towards Highway 60, a period of sleet had occurred as above freezing temperatures aloft advected north. Colder air wrapped around on the backside, allowing for precipitation to transition back to all snow before ending during the afternoon hours. Between 5 to 11 inches of snow and sleet was observed with the lowest totals occurring in areas that experienced mixing.

Significant travel impacts occurred with snow instantly accumulating on all surfaces due to temperatures only in the upper single digits and teens during the bulk of the event. Roads became impassable closer to the Mississippi River where 1 to 2 inches of sleet led to a very dense accumulation on road surfaces. Snow and ice covered roads, including portions of Interstate 57, were too dangerous for travel, and led to multiple accidents and traffic pileups across the region, making it difficult for first responders to provide assistance for several hours. Wind gusts around 20 to 25 mph led to blowing and drifting snow, especially in Perry County, MO where drifts up to 21 inches were observed near Perryville. The extreme cold after the event hampered clean-up efforts and made snow removal extremely difficult. Key Impacts: transportation delays, traffic accidents, road closures.