Winter Storm in New Madrid, Missouri

The first winter storm of the season brought widespread sleet and freezing rain. Up to one quarter inch of ice coated roadways during the evening commute. Sleet accumulations were generally an inch or less. Numerous accidents and slide-offs occurred. Many schools dismissed early and remained closed the following day. In less than three hours, Cape Girardeau police responded to at least 18 traffic accidents. Police cars were involved in two accidents. Many vehicles became stuck on hills. A rash of accidents occurred on U.S. Highway 60 in southern Scott County. A fatal accident occurred on U.S. Highway 60 in New Madrid County. A car slid into the path of a tractor-trailer rig, killing a man and injuring two passengers. Another fatal wreck occurred on U.S. Highway 67 in Butler County. A woman lost control of her vehicle and collided with an oncoming vehicle. Four other people were injured in that accident. A strong cold front ushered much colder air into the region. A weak low pressure system then moved northeast along the front, causing the widespread sleet and freezing rain.