Nixon declares state of emergency as winter storm advances

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in preparation for the winter storm onslaught forecast to blanket most of the state with a mix of freezing rain and mounds of snow along with sustained winds. Nixon called the Missouri National Guard and state agencies to support local emergency response efforts statewide. "Most of Missouri is expected to be affected by this severe winter storm, which is predicted to cause treacherous road conditions and possibly widespread power outages," Nixon said in a news release. Nixon asked citizens to report and avoid downed power lines, check in on neighbors who may need assistance and stay current on forecast and road conditions. Forecasts call for the precipitation to fall as rain in the Cape Girardeau area, with daytime temperatures Tuesday well above freezing. Accidents can be reported by dialing *55 and emergency referrals are available by dialing 211 or 800-427-4626. Updates on roads and weather will be posted at MO.gov.