Winter Storm — Howard, Missouri

2021-01-01 · Howard, Missouri

Event narrative

Light to moderate freezing rain formed early morning on New Year's Day. This freezing rain quickly accreted between a quarter to three quarters inch before sunrise. Shortly after sunrise the freezing rain switched to light snow, which persisted for the bulk of the remaining day time hours. The snow did not accumulate more than 1 to 3 inches, but on top of the ice accretion created winter storm conditions. Mostly scattered power outages and vehicle accidents were the impacts, but being a holiday, road traffic was likely light.

Wider weather episode

During the overnight hours on New Years Eve, into the morning of New Years moderate freezing rain moved into southern, western, and central Missouri. While rain was a little heavier than traditionally efficient for ice accumulation, there was a quick quarter to three quarters inch of ice that accumulated on surfaces before light to moderate snow moved in for the daytime hours. This snow accumulated a few inches on top of the ice accretion. Overall minimal impacts were felt as a result of this system aside from scattered vehicle accidents and power outages.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 940697. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.