Freezing Rain, High Winds, Thunder Snow Predicted; Chesterfield, St. Louis and County Officials Prepare

Emergency officials are planning for a half-inch to an inch of freezing rain and ice, topped by about a foot of snow as the perfect winter storm bears down on the St. Louis area from the west.

“Whatever you get, it’s going to be in a large amount,” said Jim Kramper of the National Weather Service. “We’re fairly confident this is a big storm.”

The build up of ice, a large amount of snow and dropping temperatures are predicted to cause major problems and possible power outages. Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency late Monday afternoon and activated the National Guard in preparation for the storm. The National Guard will be available to assist local emergency agencies, a news release from the governor’s office stated.

St. Louis County and St. Louis officials gathered at the offices of the City Emergency Management Agency to brief the media Monday morning in a rare show of unity and concerted effort.

“We wanted to let people know we are united and gathering resources to fight this storm,” said Chipp Webb, superintendent of emergency planning at Ameren Missouri.

Kramper said it’s unlikely the storm will miss the St. Louis region.

Monday, residents can look for rain, with freezing rain or sleet mixed in, depending on the temperatures, he said.

“The fun, so to speak, starts tonight,” Kramper said. “After sunset, we’ll see heavier rain move into the metropolitan area. Our critical time period for freezing rain will be from tonight after sunset through tomorrow morning.”

He said there’s potential for a half-inch to an inch of ice. The storm could shift 50 miles either way as it approaches the area, he said, dumping more snow or more ice on the area.

“Either way, a quarter-inch to a half-inch of ice is plenty to cause major problems,” Kramper said.

City of St. Louis Streets Director Todd Waelterman said the layer of salt and brine put down in preparation for the oncoming storm was fruitless.

“It’s gone. It’s washed away down the sewer,” he said.

That's why Chesterfield waited to drop salt, city Public Works Director Brian McGownd said. At about 2 p.m. McGowned said the city was still playing a waiting game before salting the streets.

He added that city crews were on their 12-hour shift rotation. They will be laying salt and calcium chloride, which helps keep the salt effective at lower temperatures, on primary routes and hazardous areas as the rain turns to sleet.

On Tuesday morning, Kramper said the forecast changes to snow, dumping up to a foot on the area. Because of the large amount of energy produced by the storm, it could be accompanied by claps of thunder in a “thunder snow,” which is similar to a thunderstorm.

The prediction for a half-inch of ice is the most worrisome thing for Webb. A half-inch of ice buildup is when electric lines begin to snap. Up to 35 mph winds Tuesday could help topple power lines, too.

Webb said about 1,000 linemen and other resources are pouring into the region from nearby states, including Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee. If you lose power or see downed power lines, report it to Ameren Missouri by calling 1-800-552-7583.

County Executive Charlie Dooley said area community centers will be on standby in case they are needed for emergency shelter. He urged county residents to call 314-615-5000 or 314-615-5555 if they need shelter. He said announcements would be made as officials see where power outages occur and what areas are most impacted by the storm.

Lt. Steve Lewis with the Chesterfield Police said the city will open a warming shelter if residents lose power at the city parks facility, 17891 North Outer 40. Lewis added that it would be merely a warming shelter—food won’t be available. More details on the shelter will be made available if power outages are reported in Chesterfield.

Dooley and other officials urged residents to do several things:

• Park off the street when possible to allow snowplows and emergency vehicles through.
• Call 911 only in an emergency. Officials are worried about 911 operators being overwhelmed by calls.
• Use care when using alternative heat sources. Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector when using a propane heater.
• Check on neighbors, especially elderly or ill residents.
• Report power outages or downed power lines by calling 1-800-552-7583, even if your neighbors already have called in.
• Check fireplace flues for blockage due to ice and snow buildup.
• Call 314-615-5000 or 314-615-6555 if you need emergency shelter.