Some area schools closing ahead of winter storm

Some area schools began closing around 12:30 today, ahead of the anticipated winter storm that likely will blanket Southeast Missouri with snow tonight.

National Weather Service meteorologist Kelly Hooper said that between 4 and 5 inches is expected to fall in most areas, an increase from earlier predictions of 2 to 4 inches. That prompted the National Weather Service to issue a winter storm warning through 9 a.m. Tuesday for areas include Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, New Mardid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard counties.

Slightly higher accumulations of 6 inches are expected near the Arkansas-Missouri border.

Snow flurries began falling shortly before noon in Cape Girardeau, but the bulk of the snow is expected to occur between 6 p.m. and midnight. The snow should end by 5 a.m. Tuesday.

According to KZIM KSIM radio, Meadow Heights and Holcomb schools dismissed at 12:30 p.m. while Campbell School planned to let school out at 1 p.m.