MoDOT prepares for incoming snow as southeast Missouri faces winter weather warnings

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) crews are prepared for winter weather approaching the area this week, a MoDOT spokesperson said Monday.

Southeast District Communications Manager Nicole Thieret noted that Mondy, "roads are clear of any winter weather," or anything like that.

MoDOT issued a Winter Weather Advisory that expired Monday.

However, Thieret said MoDOT is "looking at winter weather warnings coming in" right now.

"We're looking at some snowfall coming in," she said. "We have a 3 o'clock conference call to discuss the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, so we can get our crews prepped and ready to go.

"We did have some folks out this past weekend, depending on where you were in our district," she continued. "We have a 25-county district, so I speak in very big terms. But we do have some winter weather coming in, and our crews are prepped."

The spokesperson said MoDOT workers "are going to be out and about plowing" in the coming days.

"Depending on how much snow comes in," Thieret said. "I think I saw anywhere between three and eight inches forecasted for our district.

"The heaviest swath area, I believe, will be a little bit north of Dunklin County," the communications manager added. "As it stood this morning, based on the National Weather Service's forecast. So right now we're enjoying the sunshine. But not for long."

All that stated, the National Weather Service calls for a blisteringly frigid week.

And, as stated, MoDOT is aware.

"We want to remind travelers that if you're going to get out and about, make sure that you take all necessary precautions when driving," Thieret said. "If you encounter one of our snowplows, please give them room to do their job.

"It always helps when those plows are out on the road and not down in a traffic accident," she continued. "They're not doing anyone any good that way."

And a couple of work zones exist, both in Dunklin County and near it, Thieret said.

"A couple of roads are flooded just north of you," she said. "So there might be some water over the roads.

"And as a precaution, we close those roads on our traveler information map," she added. "Just to make sure we keep all our travelers safe. There should be some road barricade signs indicating that the roads are closed. Again, that's not in Dunklin County. They're just north of you in Stoddard County."

Route H is closed from Missouri 25 to ZZ Highway, Thieret said.

"There is construction nearby," she said. "But it's on Route 53.

"We have some bridge construction going on Route 53," she continued. "So it is closed in Dunklin County headed into Butler County. We have a couple more roads closed because of flooding in Stoddard County. Those are north of the Dudley area and sort of Northwest of Dexter."

Thieret said both she and the department just want travelers to be very careful.

"Understand what the weather is looking like," she advised. "We have a traveler's information map that folks can look at.

"That's for throughout the state of Missouri," she continued. "And adjoining states have similar maps."

And MoDOT provides toll-free telephone lines for concerned travelers, Thieret said.

"We also have an 888 number that people can call if they have any questions," she said. "Or if they aren't around a computer or a cell phone to access our map.

"It is 888.275.6636," she added. "Or 888.ASK.MODOT. We encourage anyone traveling to enjoy themselves and to travel safely wth MoDOT."