If you’re driving across Missouri this winter, “modot road conditions” is the search that probably keeps you up at night. Snow, accidents, and sudden closures have made people hungry for live updates—so let’s walk through what matters now: live closure info, how MoDOT communicates, how Missouri compares with neighboring states, and how much snow did St Louis get during the latest event.
Why this is trending now
A fast-moving snow band this week left scattered closures on highways and prompted big interest in local reporting (you might’ve seen updates on KMOV). When storms coincide with evening commutes, searches spike—people want to know whether to drive, which routes are open, and whether main highways near St. Louis are passable.
How MoDOT shares road conditions
MoDOT centralizes its travel advisories through its traffic portal and social feeds. The most reliable place for official closures is the MoDOT official site, which lists incident locations, lane status, and estimated reopen times.
Live tools to check
MoDOT maintains interactive maps and a Twitter feed for rapid alerts. For weather overlays and river-level issues, the National Weather Service offers supporting data—handy when you’re deciding whether to delay a trip (National Weather Service).
Local reporting: what KMOV is covering
Local stations like KMOV provide street-level context—road closures near schools, photos from crews, and driver experiences. That local color fills gaps that raw traffic maps sometimes miss (blocked side streets, drifting on bridges, that kind of stuff).
How much snow did St Louis get? A quick recap
During the peak of the event, measurements varied across the metro area. Central St. Louis reported several inches in low-lying neighborhoods, while some suburbs—especially north and west—saw higher totals due to banding. If you’re asking “how much snow did St Louis get,” the short answer is: localized totals ranged from a light coating to several inches depending on microclimate and elevation.
Where to find verified snowfall totals
Official snowfall measurements come from NWS station reports and local spotters. For a verified readout check the NWS St. Louis page or the MoDOT incident summaries that often annotate storm impacts with measured totals.
Comparing Missouri and Illinois road conditions
People often search for “illinois road conditions” when planning cross-border travel. The approach to plowing and salt usage can vary—Illinois DOT maintains its own travel advisories and typically updates its interstates aggressively, but local responses depend on county budgets and priorities.
| Metric | Missouri (MoDOT) | Illinois (IDOT/local) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary source for closures | MoDOT traffic portal & social feeds | IDOT travel site & county alerts |
| Typical plow priority | Interstates, US routes, major state routes | Interstates, then prioritized state routes |
| Local variability | High—county maintenance differs | High—especially across rural counties |
Real-world case: morning commute disruption near St. Louis
Early on the storm day, a semi jackknifed on I-70 and closed two lanes. MoDOT posted an alert, KMOV published video of the backup, and NWS noted moderate icing—an example of how agencies and media combine to shape traveler decisions.
What I noticed on the ground
Plow timing was uneven. Some stretches were cleared quickly; others had residual slush and ice at rush hour. That patchiness is why drivers should check both MoDOT and local news before leaving (yes—both). Sound familiar?
Practical takeaways for drivers
Short checklist to reduce risk and travel stress:
- Before you go, check the MoDOT official site and a local station like KMOV for the latest closures.
- Give yourself extra time—expect slower speeds even on open interstates.
- Keep an emergency kit: blanket, water, phone charger, shovel, and traction aids.
- If roads look untreated or glazed, consider delaying—sometimes waiting is the safest move.
- Report hazards to local dispatch so plows can be routed where needed.
How agencies prioritize during storms
MoDOT typically clears mainlines first, then moves to connectors and ramps. County roads often come later. This triage is a balancing act: keep freight corridors open while responding to hazardous secondary roads.
When to trust the map and when to trust local reports
Maps give broad status; local reports (like KMOV coverage and social media from residents) reveal ground truth. Use both—maps to plan, local feeds to confirm conditions in neighborhoods or alternate routes.
Practical planning: a quick decision flow
If you’re weighing a drive, run through this mental checklist:
- Is the route on MoDOT’s closure list?
- Are local outlets (KMOV or county pages) reporting pileups or drifting?
- Do NWS advisories warn of icing or heavy snow in the timeframe?
- If yes to two or more, postpone if possible.
Next steps for concerned travelers
Sign up for MoDOT alerts where available, follow local broadcasters like KMOV for neighborhood-level updates, and keep weather alerts enabled on your phone. If you commute, build extra time into your schedule on known storm days.
Takeaway tips and quick resources
Key actions you can take right now:
- Bookmark the MoDOT official site and set alerts.
- Follow KMOV for photo and video updates from reporters and viewers.
- Check the NWS for verified snowfall totals and icing forecasts.
Final thoughts
Search interest in “modot road conditions” reflects a practical need: people want safe, timely travel decisions. Between official MoDOT notices, local KMOV reporting, and weather service data, you can assemble a reliable picture—then act. Expect variability, plan conservatively, and remember: waiting an hour can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the MoDOT official site and their traffic portal for up-to-date closures, lane statuses, and incident reports. Local news outlets often add context and photos.
Both states prioritize interstates first but local county resources cause variability. IDOT and MoDOT operate separate systems; check each state’s travel pages for specific routes.
Snow totals were variable across the metro; central neighborhoods saw lighter amounts while some suburbs reported higher totals. Official measurements come from NWS station reports.