Winter Weather Possible This Weekend in West Plains
The City of West Plains is closely monitoring an approaching winter weather system that could bring accumulating snowfall to the area this weekend. Forecast models continue to evolve, but residents should be prepared for potentially impactful winter conditions beginning Friday and continuing through Sunday.
Forecast Overview (Friday, January 23 – Sunday, January 25)
According to the National Weather Service, snow is possible across the West Plains area beginning late Friday and continuing through Saturday, with lingering impacts into Sunday. Current projections indicate the potential for several inches of snowfall, with locally higher amounts possible depending on how the system develops.
Temperatures are expected to remain cold throughout the weekend, which could lead to slick road conditions, especially on untreated surfaces, bridges and elevated roadways.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecast updates directly from the National Weather Service at: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=36.7281&lon=-91.856
Transportation Department Preparations
The City of West Plains Transportation Department is currently in snow mode and has been spending the week preparing trucks and equipment ahead of this potential winter weather event.
Crews plan to begin pre-treating hazardous city street intersections and hills on Friday morning. This timing may change as the forecast becomes more refined, but once final conditions are confirmed, trucks and equipment will be ready to respond as soon as snow begins to fall.
Residents are asked to give snowplows and treatment trucks plenty of room to work while crews are pre-treating and plowing roadways. If possible, please avoid parking vehicles on city streets during snowfall to allow plows adequate space to safely and efficiently clear roadways.
In addition to city crews, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) snowplows will also be clearing state-maintained routes within the city.
Snow plow routes and priority streets can be viewed online at: https://gis.westplains.net/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=f00f5d77fe81402186fe7442c6e82a2c
Safety Recommendations from West Plains Police
The West Plains Police Department advises residents to stay home if at all possible during winter weather conditions. If travel is necessary, drivers should take extra precautions, including:
- Traveling slower than usual
- Increasing following distance
- Allowing extra time to reach destinations
- Watching for icy patches, especially on bridges, hills and shaded areas
Residents are also reminded to remain aware of road conditions and to give emergency vehicles and snow removal equipment plenty of space.
Stay Informed
City officials will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as conditions develop. Residents are encouraged to follow official City of West Plains communication channels and check weather updates frequently as the weekend approaches.
