Weather Update: Coldest Wind Chill Temps In Missouri

Here are a few of the coldest wind chills we've seen this morning around the region... all of our automated sites dropped between -25 and -35 degrees Fahrenheit in the last few hours! Winds have recently started to abate, but temperatures and wind chills remain dangerously cold!

Bates County Sheriff's Office: Dressing for Cold Weather

When dressing for very cold weather, think layers. Many layers of thin clothing is much better against the cold than few thick garments. The reason is as you have probably guessed, the layers of clothing trap air between them that serves as insulation. If you dress properly, it is amazing how little clothing will keep you warm even in the most extreme cold.

Avoid tight clothing when dressing for the cold, loose fitting garments are much more effective in creating the insulation you want. Typically, a short sleeve undershirt, long thermal underwear, a light long sleeve sweater, a baggy pair of jeans and a windproof loose fitting jacket will keep you nice and warm in most conditions. If you are going to be active, even less clothing is required. Keep in mind though that you should always cover your head, and wear gloves or mittens. A massive amount of body heat is lost from the top of the head, and something as simple as making sure you wear a hat will make it a lot easier to stay warm.

For the best protection against cold weather, the innermost layer should be made of soft spun wool. Not only does wool fabrics have a lot of air pockets, but wool also has the very beneficial property of absorbing a lot of water before it feels wet. In extreme cold,water is your worst enemy, and having a wool layer absorb the humidity around your body will make a huge difference.

Many people like to cover the lower part of their face with a scarf in the cold. This might give some relief in moderately cold weather, but in extreme cold you should be careful about covering you moth and nose. The moisture in your breath will be trapped in the scarf, and over time the humidity could lead to serious frost bite in the face. It is always better to cover your face with a fat based ointment, such as Vaseline, which will protect exposed skin against cold air.

There's an old saying stating that as long as long as your feet stay warm, the rest of your body will stay warm. Making sure you have proper shoes is very important, but just as important is wearing the right socks. It is far better to wear just a thin pair of socks and leave ample room around your foot inside your shoes, than to cram a heavy pair or even two pair of socks into your boots. If you stuff your boots, there will be very little room for air around your foot, and you will get very cold. Walking in the snow with shoes that are too small or that are filled with too many pairs of socks will feel like your walking barefoot. Without insulating air between your boot and your foot, the boots will actually draw heat out of your body as they themselves are cooled down by the snow.

These tips will keep you warm in most normal winter weather for most outdoor activities

MoDOT/Southwest: Winter Travel Advisory Sunday Night into Monday Morning, Jan. 5-6‏

MoDOT/Southwest: Winter Travel Advisory

Sunday Night into Monday Morning, Jan. 5-6

Extreme cold temperatures and blowing snow will keep roads snow-covered Sunday night through Monday, Jan 5-6.  Weather Forecast: Single digit temperatures are expected Sunday night and through the day on Monday. Gusty winds also are causing snow to blow across roads and create limited visibility. Road Clearing: MoDOT crews will continue to do what they can to clear the most heavily-traveled roads. However, snow removal chemicals will have limited effect with the extremely cold temperatures. Crews will make a pass or two down lesser traveled roads. Crews also will spread abrasives on hills, curves and intersections on lesser traveled roads.  However, roads may NOT be cleared until sometime on Tuesday when temperatures are expected to moderate. Travel Conditions: Major roads will remain partly covered to covered.  Lesser traveled roads will remain snow-covered.  Drivers are urged to travel only if absolutely necessary.  If you must travel, drivers are urged to be prepared for extremely cold temperatures and keep an emergency kit with them. Traveler Information Map: To find the most up-to-date road conditions in southwest Missouri and statewide, check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map. More Winter Weather Driving Tips:  Travel only if necessary. Buckle up.   Adjust your speed to conditions. Stay at least 100 feet behind a truck plowing/salting the road.  Keep your windshield and other windows clear to help you see.  Be alert for changing road conditions.  Don't tailgate.  Focus on driving and avoid distractions. Allow for extra travel time.  Keep an emergency kit with you that contains snacks and extra warm clothes. Road Condition Information:  MoDOT Customer Service: 1-888-275-6636

UPDATE: Closings for Tomorrow Jan. 6, 2013 (7:00pm)

Bates County Live along with FM.92.1 Radio station can now confirm that all the schools in the area are closed tomorrow. If you have a business closure please email one of us so we can get it posted.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR MONDAY JAN 6th:

• Sheldon
• Ballard
• Butler
• Adrian
• Hudson
• Hume 
• Nevada
• Appleton City
• Montrose
• Archie
• Lakeland
• Drexel
• Osceola
• Sherwood
• Rich Hill
• St. Mary's - Montrose
• Clinton School District 124
• Northeast Vernon County Schools

 Business that are closed Monday:
 

*Bates County Industries closed Monday
*Old Butler High School Thrift Store Closed Monday
*Butler Bears Monday night Basketball Game / cancelled
*Butler Public Library will be closed on Mon. Jan. 6th.
*Pantry Thrift Store at 901 S Outer Rd, Butler will be closed tomorrow, Jan 6.
*Ozark Shores Home Furnishings - Butler will be closed Monday January 6.
*The Community Food Pantry will be closed tomorrow due to the frigid cold. We will announce later when Senior Boxes can be picked up.

* From Butler Athletic Director Coach Kirk Hannah, Nevada has already cancelled school for tomorrow so there will NOT be a boys basketball game Monday night against the Nevada Tigers*

MoDot Press Release: Motorists Advised to Stay Home During Latest Winter Storm

High winds and blowing snow across much of the state means motorists are advised to stay home and avoid travel until this storm ends.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has issued a "no travel advisory" for the duration of this storm, which is expected to continue through the day on Sunday, Jan. 5 and through the night.

"For your safety and the safety of our crews, we ask everyone to avoid travel once this storm begins, unless it is an emergency," said Ed Hassinger, MoDOT Chief Engineer. "Strong winds are blowing the snow around, and it's creating a whiteout effect that makes it very difficult to see and makes travel extremely hazardous."

The snowfall, coupled with 35-40 mph wind gusts, can create drifts that will seriously challenge even four-wheel drive vehicles.

"With the snow, high winds, and extreme cold, it's going to be a challenge for MoDOT to clear our state routes," said Hassinger. "If there are no other vehicles on the roadways, we have a much better chance of making progress so traffic can get moving again."

When temperatures dip this low, getting stranded on the side of the road can be very dangerous. Before you head out, equip your vehicle with an emergency kit and let a friend or family member know when and where you're traveling. If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call 911. Be aware that emergency responders may have difficulty reaching you.

One of the best ways to prepare for winter travel is to check MoDOT's Traveler Information Map, located at www.modot.org. The map offers real-time views of road conditions for Missouri's interstates and major highways.

For smartphone and tablet users, MoDOT's Traveler Information App brings the same information to your mobile devices. Users can select road condition and work zone options from the map's legend, and view the same cameras and message boards found on desktop version of the map. The app is available for free at the iPhone App Store and Android Marketplace.

Travelers can also pick up the phone and call MoDOT's toll-free customer service center at 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636). Customer service representatives are available to give road conditions updates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Weather Update: Dangerous Wind Chill

Snow has pretty much ended across northwestern MO and eastern KS with blowing and drifting continuing. The cold temperatures will get worse tonight as lows fall into the single digits to teens below zero. Wind chill values will range from around -25 to as cold as -40 in far northern MO. A wind chill warning is effect for the entire region tonight and tomorrow morning. Bundle up, stay warm and be safe.

ADVISORY FROM THE FIREFIGHTERS OF THE CLINTON, MO, FIRE AND RESCUE DEPARTMENT

A Wind chill Warning has been issued for the City of Clinton and Henry County, Missouri from 6 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 5, until 12 p.m., Monday, Jan. 6, 2014. Please take the proper precautions when traveling or partaking in any outdoor activities. If you don't have to be outside please stay in.


Courtesy of Clinton Daily Democrat.

Bates County Sheriff"s Office: Winter Weather Advisory For Bates County

Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Bates County and surrounding counties. The temperature's are expected to drop from 0 to -13 degrees over night. That doesn't count the wind chill factors either. If you don't have to be out then please don't be. All schools are closed tomorrow. If you must travel please do it with caution. Bates County Live will update any and all weather updates.