St. Louis Area Snow & Ice Forecast

ST. LOUIS -- An intense winter storm is on track to impact the region starting late Saturday night, with a mix of heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain expected through Sunday night. Meteorologist Chris Higgins is warning about significant disruptions across Missouri and Illinois due to hazardous conditions.

Heavy Snow Zone

Areas along and north of I-70 in Missouri and Illinois will face heavy snow, with 8–10 inches of accumulation likely. While brief sleet mixing is possible midday Sunday, snow will dominate. Winds of 20–25 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, will lead to blowing and drifting snow, further reducing visibility.

Location: Along and north of I-70 in Missouri and Illinois.

• Expected Conditions:
  • Heavy snow likely throughout the event, with minimal mixing of sleet around midday Sunday.
  • Snow accumulation of 8–10 inches is possible.
  • Winds: Sustained at 20–25 mph, gusting to 30 mph, which will cause:
    • Blowing and drifting snow
    • Reduced visibility

Ice Storm Zone

The southern parts of the region, from Sullivan to Festus in Missouri and near Mount Vernon in Illinois, will experience freezing rain and sleet. Up to 1/2 inch of ice glaze is possible on roads, sidewalks, trees, and power lines. Thunderstorms may develop in this zone, and strong winds will heighten the risk of power outages and tree damage. The icy mix will transition to snow Sunday evening, with an additional 1–3 inches of snow likely on top of the ice.

Location: South of a line from Sullivan to Festus, MO, and stretching to Mount Vernon, IL.

• Expected Conditions:
  • Freezing rain and sleet will dominate, with the potential for thunderstorms.
  • Ice accumulation of 1/3 to 1/2 inch is likely on trees, powerlines, roads, and sidewalks.
  • Risks:
    • Tree damage and power outages
    • Extremely hazardous road conditions
  • As the storm exits Sunday evening:
    • Transition to snow, with an additional 1–3 inches possible on top of the ice.
  • Winds: Gusty north winds could further stress ice-laden trees and powerlines

Winter Mix Zone (St. Louis Metro)

The St. Louis Metro area sits between the heavy snow and ice zones, making this forecast the most uncertain. The region will see snow and sleet early Sunday, followed by a mix of freezing rain, drizzle, and snow throughout the day. Snow and sleet accumulations are forecasted at 4–8 inches, with freezing rain adding a light glaze. Weather variations could push totals higher if colder air moves in.

Location: Between the Missouri River and I-70.

• Expected Conditions:
  • A complicated mix of snow, sleet, freezing rain, and freezing drizzle, making totals difficult to forecast.
  • Heavy precipitation likely Sunday morning, with a brief lull early afternoon before resuming as snow.
  • Expected Accumulation:
    • Mixed snow/sleet: 4–8 inches
    • Freezing rain: ~1/10 inch
  • Variability: Totals could increase if colder air shifts south.

Timing and Impacts

The storm will begin after midnight Saturday, intensify through Sunday morning, and ease slightly before ramping back up Sunday evening. Accumulating snow should end by early Monday morning, but the Monday commute will likely face treacherous road conditions due to snow and ice.

Timeline:

• Start: After midnight Saturday night.
• Peak Intensity: Late Saturday night through Sunday morning.
• Lull: Late Sunday morning into early afternoon.
• Ramp-Up: Snow intensifies again Sunday evening with the system’s backside.
• End: Snow tapers off between midnight and 3 a.m. Monday.
• Travel Impacts: Expect significant road hazards through Monday morning, especially during rush hour.