An ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Alert Day has been issued for the first potential snowfall of the season on Saturday that could impact holiday travel.
Forecast snow totals are increasing as this event approaches, with isolated 2-inch amounts possible along and north of I-70. This axis of snowfall is subject to change in the coming days.
SETUP
Deep northwesterly flow will cool temperatures across the region into the weekend as highs drop below freezing. A wave in the flow spurs a round of precipitation early on Saturday, and snow is expected with the colder conditions.
This system is an Alberta Clipper, a quick-moving disturbance characterized by fast storm motion, dry air, and low moisture. Snowfall amounts are usually low and snow is dry and fluffy.
FUTURETRACK
Snow will start falling in northwest Missouri before sunrise on Saturday morning, moving into Marshall, Brunswick, and Moberly after 6:00 a.m. Snow progresses southeast throughout the day, arriving in Columbia and Jefferson City by mid-morning and exiting to the southeast by late afternoon.
Temperatures drop to the teens on Saturday night and remain below freezing through the weekend.
IMPACTS
If you’re traveling, shopping around town, or heading to the MU football game, roads will be slushy and visibility could be a challenge on the interstates, but winds will be fairly light and won’t create whiteout conditions.
Road temperatures will be lowest before midmorning but stay above freezing for much of the afternoon, so travel impacts are expected to be limited. However, bridges and overpasses may be slick into Sunday morning due to frigid morning low temperatures in the upper teens.
