The St. Joseph Police Department is warning drivers to use extreme caution as icy conditions cause driving problems around town.
Sgt. Kevin Cummings said freezing drizzle was causing crashes all over town around 1 p.m. Friday. 36 Highway was barely passable. Cummings is asking drivers if they have to go out to use “extreme caution.”
The St. Joseph Police Department also issued a advisory to the public at 1:11 cautioning drivers that all city streets and highways are slick. Capt. Jeff Wilson said officers were responding to more than 10 to 15 wrecks at one point. According to scanner traffic, authorities are currently responding to injury accidents first. Some emergency response vehicles are also having difficultly getting around town according to reports. Pedestrians are also being advised to use caution in these icy conditions.
A winter weather advisory was issued until 6 p.m. by the National Weather Service, the main impact being light glaze drizzle icing leading to slippery travel conditions. According to the National Weather Service, minor ice accumulations up to a tenth of an inch will be possible north of Highway 36 where freezing drizzle will last through the day into tonight. Areas south of HWY 36 will see a glazing of ice this afternoon, making roads very slick.
The St. Joseph Streets Department implemented Phase 1 of the city’s emergency snow ordinance at 1 p.m. The City Streets Department has begun salting roadways. Due to icy street conditions the St. Joseph Transit system has switched to Snow Routes. No deviations.
The Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler’s information map showed several roads in northwest Missouri as covered or partially covered as of 2:20 p.m. CLICK HERE to view the latest.
Missouri Western State University has canceled its commencement ceremony planned for Saturday morning. CLICK HERE for more information.
The Troy USD 429 School District let school out early and canceled all evening activities. Also, an FFA blood drive scheduled for this evening in Troy was canceled.
Shortly before 2 p.m. the St. Joseph School District tweeted saying that city crews are out and will have the opportunity to treat the streets before school dismisses. The St. Joseph School District has canceled all after school activities due to inclement weather.
The St. Joseph Parks Department said due to safety concerns for residents and visitors safety, Holiday Park will temporarily be closed this evening.
REC Center is closing early tonight due to icy conditions.
West Nodaway Valley Schools said on twitter @WNRockets will dismiss school at 2:30pm. No after school activities or practices. Basketball game at Osborn ppd to 12/20 at 6pm