KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A severe winter storm has wreaked havoc across the Midwest, leading to significant road closures and dangerous travel conditions. The storm has prompted various highway departments to issue travel advisories, with numerous highways and interstates becoming impassable.
According to the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), I-70 is closed in both directions from the Missouri state line to the Ellsworth County line in western Kansas. Additional highway closures have been reported across several counties, including Marshall, Nemaha, Brown, Doniphan, and Riley, due to low visibility and extreme weather conditions.
Delaney Tholen, KDOT’s KC Metro Public Affairs Manager, stated, “This storm has not been easy for snowplow drivers, KDOT, MoDOT, local folks or motorists. There are some crews in North Central Kansas who have had to cease snow-clearing operations because snowplows kept sliding off the roadway, as well as motorists.”
With blizzard conditions persisting, KDOT has advised against all non-emergency travel. MoDOT crews are focusing their efforts on clearing interstates and major routes, but they, too, have faced challenges. “We’ve had to pull some crews off the roads… because they really couldn’t even see what they were doing,” explained Melissa Black, MoDOT’s Kansas City District Communications Manager.
Conditions are not expected to improve significantly soon. Black noted, “I’m thinking Monday morning is still going to be pretty slick…we have still been fighting those interstates and major routes.”
Motorists are strongly discouraged from attempting to pass snowplow trucks, which are working hard to clear the highways. “Not only do you take the chance of getting caught between plows and getting hit potentially with debris or the trucks, but you’re then trying to go on a road hasn’t been cleared yet,” Black added.
Those who must travel are being urged to prepare properly. MoDOT recommends having emergency supplies such as snacks, water, and first aid kits ready. Black emphasized, “The biggest thing we tell folks is just stay in your vehicle, don’t get out of it, call for help, and stay there.”
Meanwhile, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been working around the clock to address the storm's effects. Bob Becker, the District Maintenance Engineer for MoDOT St. Louis District, stated, “We’ve been working out 24/7. If you do have to get out and you’re out driving around, make sure you’re being careful and taking it slow.”
Illinois transportation officials, too, are keeping watch. Joseph Monroe from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reported, “The lull in the storm has allowed the treatment we put out to still work,” but cautioned about incoming snowfall potentially impacting progress. “They urge people to stay home,” he noted.
Bartholomew County Emergency Management in Indiana has also issued a travel advisory, declaring travel to be restricted only to emergency personnel due to deteriorated conditions. The highest advisory level, Warning Level (Red), requires individuals to refrain from all travel and cooperate with emergency services.
Travel conditions have similar restrictions throughout the region, with advisories urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. “Road conditions throughout the metro are not safe for travel,” Tholen reiterated. “Folks are advised to stay home when possible.”
Motorists are encouraged to keep the following items on hand during their travels: battery-powered weather radios, flashlights with batteries, spare phone chargers, and additional clothing to keep warm should they become stranded.
Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, with updates being released as conditions evolve. Though hopes for quick improvements are high, drivers should remain cautious as another wave of winter weather moves through the area.
The winter storm has not only challenged the road crews' ability to clear streets, but has introduced very real dangers for drivers attempting to navigate under such severe conditions. Emergency management departments are reminding the public: when it doubt, stay off the roads.