Trico schools closed as winter storm approaches

Trico schools were closed today in the wake of an impending winter storm. At 5:04 a.m. Thursday the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky., issued a statement saying a winter storm warning remains in effect until 9 p.m. CST Thursday evening.

Sleet and freezing rain will begin accumulating over southeast Missouri early this morning. This wintry mix will then spread northeast into portions of Southern Illinois later in the morning and into the afternoon hours. This afternoon the wintry mix is expected to change to rain over all except the far western and northwestern sections of the quad state.

Ice accumulations of one quarter to one third of an inch can be expected along with sleet accumulations of an inch or less.

This wintry mix will likely lead to dangerous travel conditions on roadways and especially on elevated surfaces. Some power outages cannot be ruled out, especially over portions of southeast Missouri where the greatest icing is expected to occur.

The winter storm warning affects Jefferson, Franklin, Perry, Hamilton, Wayne and Jackson counties. A winter storm warning means significant amounts of sleet and ice are expected or occurring. Strong winds are also possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible.