More snow, freezing temps expected through weekend

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through the weekend as the National Weather Service office in Paducah, Kentucky, calls for up to 4 inches of snow in the Southeast Missouri region ahead of the weekend.

Because of the low temperatures, any snow that falls is expected to stick, with 1 to 3 inches of accumulation likely in Cape Girardeau County and northern Scott County. Residents residing in Southern Scott County through the Bootheel can anticipate 2 to 4 inches of snow.

As of Wednesday, Jan. 8, there is a 60% chance of snow Thursday night, Jan. 9, going into Friday morning, Jan. 10, and a 70% chance Friday. The NWS forecasts snow is likely to start falling early Friday morning and continue throughout the day.

"(There is) better than 50 to 60 percent chance of an inch or more everywhere," NWS lead meteorologist Justin Gibbs said in an email.

Temperatures in Cape Girardeau may rise slightly above freezing, as highs average around 34 degrees. As of Wednesday, NWS calls for a high of 35 degrees Thursday, 33 on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 11, and 36 on Sunday, Jan. 12, with lows of 26 on Thursday, 19 on Friday, 21 on Saturday and 23 on Sunday expected.

"No significant warmup is forecast for the next week with afternoon highs remaining just above freezing into next week," Gibbs said.

Winter weather can create hazards for residents, including power outages and slick driving conditions. Crews in Cape Girardeau County continue to clean up from last weekend’s ice storm, but Commissioner Stephen Daume said they are ready for the weekend if needed.

“All the roads are open and all the power lines are off the roads currently,” Daume said. “So we're trying to widen all those roads out, so that once the snow hits we've got a place to go with it, if we get accumulating snow that needs to be plowed. The trucks are all prepared, cinder beds are all on and we’ve got plenty of salt and cinders available.”

In severe winter weather, Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management director Sam Herndon recommends planning ahead.

“Have some extra groceries, non-perishables and things like that, that you can eat in case of a power outage,” Herndon said. “Make sure you've got batteries for your flashlights for power outages and some type of heat source in case you lose your heat.”

NWS advises caution when using heat sources such as candles and space heaters during a power outage, as they can pose a fire risk. Instead, it’s recommended to bundle up with blankets, keep doors closed and place towels in cracks to reduce draft. Portable generators should be placed at least 20 feet away from doors, windows and garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Properly using generators, properly using space heaters and having a carbon monoxide detector in the house is something else that (is recommended),” Daume said.

When cleaning after a winter storm, NWS emphasizes remaining alert for falling tree branches covered with snow or ice, using caution when walking to avoid slipping and falling, checking the latest road conditions before traveling and moving small amounts and taking frequent breaks when shoveling.

To report fallen limbs, power lines and other damage, fill out a report on the Office of Emergency Management's website, or call (573) 204-0911.

Click here for the official NWS forecast.