Snow and Cold Bring Slick Conditions to Moniteau County

Traffic slowly makes its way north on East Street as the streets get slicker in the falling snow on Monday.
Traffic slowly makes its way north on East Street as the streets get slicker in the falling snow on Monday.

Overnight flurries left a touch of snow on the ground Monday as a hint of what was to come later in the day. Driving and walking conditions were good early Monday morning but as the flurries became more of a snow storm about 11 a.m. conditions quickly grew more treacherous for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Schools closed early Monday.

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Natalie Hougland and Kristen Portale welcome friends to Fox and Hound.

A collision Monday on Highway 50 near Clarksburg required extrication of an occupant. On Route E near Latham, officers were called to another collision. After several other vehicles were reported to have slid in the ditch, including a state patrol car, the road was closed until the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) could spread cinders on the slick highway.

Tuesday dawned with schools cancelled, about five inches of dry snow, wind gusting at 25 mph and hazardous driving conditions. The outside temperature, already barely in the double digits Fahrenheit, was even more uncomfortable with the wind chill taking it several degrees below zero, according to Internet sources.

City crews were busy clearing the streets Monday evening and Tuesday, putting down cinders where needed. According to County Commissioner Kim Roll, county road crews began the task the roads early Tuesday using both snow plows and road graders. MODOT road crews worked to keep the roadways passable. Drivers were cautioned to be careful.

Several days may pass before any significant melting can take place since the forecast called for colder temperatures.

For more stories like this check out the Jan. 12 issue of the California Democrat.