MISSOURI, USA — Rain, snow and freezing temperatures are headed to the Bi-State.
During a Thursday afternoon press conference, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) said the dropping temperature is its biggest concern when trying to maintain clear conditions for drivers.
MoDOT said they're preparing for the winter weather by activating crews to work in 12-hour shifts around the clock to make sure roadways are clear.
Bob Becker, MoDOT district maintenance engineer, said the rain before the snow could make things more challenging.
"Those pavement temperatures are going to be cold and that snow is going to stick to the roadway more. Our chemicals are going to work a lot slower," Becker said.
On average, MoDOT spends $45 million in winter operations and covers 77,000 miles in the state.
During the latest storm, it's avoiding pre-treating roadways because the rain could freeze before the snow.
Kevin Deitsch, warning coordination meteorologist with The National Weather Service in St. Louis, said the next storm will include a prolonged cold outbreak.
"That's what concerns us when we have outbreaks like this. We get a little more concern about infrastructure, water, main breaks, that sort of thing and even pipes bursting," Deitsch added.
Cpl. Dallas Thompson with the Missouri State Highway Patrol said drivers should plan to winterize their cars ahead of the storm with blankets and food in case of an emergency. Thompson also said drivers can call *55 if they need help.
"We're concerned with people sliding off into ditches and being stuck there for long periods waiting on help to arrive or the cold weather or vehicles breaking down and people being stuck on the shoulders of the roadway, waiting for help for long periods without any kind of heat," Thompson added.
Both the Highway Patrol and MoDOT will have crews working around the clock to ensure the roads are safe for drivers who need to bear the cold.
"As these winter events happen, take your time, slow down. Your cars don't react as they normally do on dry pavement. Give yourself plenty of room. Give our plows plenty of room," Becker said.
MoDOT also said it will continue to update its Traveler Map online with real-time information on what highways and roads have been treated and cleared throughout the upcoming winter storm.