By early Thursday morning, heavy snow was already having an impact in St Joseph and the surrounding area.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Andrew County officials reported a tractor trailer completely blocking the northbound lanes of I-29 at mile marker 57.  That’s about a mile north of the I-229 north junction.

Elsewhere in Troop H, officials report hazardous driving conditions, but by 5 a.m. no major mishaps.

Within the city limits of St Joseph, no major wrecks or closures were reported by 5 a.m. Thursday

The City of St Joseph has implemented Phase One of the Emergency Snow Ordinance. All vehicles using city streets must be equipped with snow tires or chains.

Crews from the Streets Department began salting the city’s emergency routes at about 3:50 a.m. Thursday. Fourteen trucks were deployed. Assistant Superintendent Kevin Schneider says once all the emergency routes are treated, they will move on to the secondary routes. A decision will be made on plowing once snowfall totals reach two to three inches, or when the storm stops.