O'FALLON, Mo. — The westbound lanes of Interstate 70 were closed between Bryan Road and Lake St. Louis Boulevard near O'Fallon, Missouri, due to a crash involving a jackknifed tractor-trailer Thursday afternoon. As of 4:50, the cash had been cleared, and all lanes were back open.
The crash happened around 11 a.m. State troopers said three tractor-trailers and two passenger vehicles were involved in the crash. Emergency officials at the scene said no one was trapped in the car but the road will be closed for an extended period of time for cleanup.
Missouri State Highway Patrol said all westbound traffic will be diverted onto Bryan Road while crews work to clear the scene. Drivers should avoid the area until further notice.
State troopers also responded to a crash involving multiple tractor-trailers on Interstate 44 near Sullivan Thursday morning. Roads in the St. Louis area are covered with snow as the winter storm brought heavy snowfall to the metro.
5 On Your Side Meteorologist Anthony Slaughter said snowfall rates up to 1 inch per hour were recorded across the St. Louis area. Those heavy snow showers are expected to linger through the early afternoon before eventually tapering off Thursday evening. The entire St. Louis area is under a winter storm warning until 6 p.m. 5 On Your Side is bringing viewers live updates online and throughout the day on air.
MoDOT has encouraged everyone to stay home and off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. MoDOT officials said gusty winds are making it difficult for crews to plow roads, which are becoming covered with snow as quickly as they're plowed. The state is also dealing with a shortage of resources, which will prolong the clearing process. MoDOT said its crews are prioritizing interstates and high-traffic highways.
If you're driving and see a car sitting in the snow, you might be tempted to call police to make sure that person is OK. Before you do, see if you notice a yellow tape or an orange sticker on the vehicle. Missouri State Highway Patrol said if you do, it means the car has been checked on by law enforcement.