COLUMBIA, MISSOURI — The first snowfall of the season created hazardous road conditions across Mid-Missouri on Saturday, prompting the Missouri State Highway Patrol to issue urgent warnings after troopers responded to more than 115 weather-related incidents throughout the day.

The wintry conditions varied widely across the region. ABC 17 News crews traveling through Jefferson City, Columbia, and Moberly observed stark differences in road coverage, with Moberly appearing to be the hardest hit. While snow in Jefferson City and Columbia largely melted following afternoon rain, Moberly’s roads remained snow-covered well into the evening. Drivers reported frustration and difficulty navigating the conditions, especially along Interstate 70, where holiday traffic, active construction zones, and slushy pavement created treacherous travel. Tow trucks were seen throughout the day clearing stranded vehicles from parking lots, city streets, and rural roads.

^{Photo credit: MSHP}

According to ABC 17 News, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop F reported the following activity on social media:

• 65 calls for service

• 20 stranded motorists

• 26 non-injury crashes

• 4 injury crashes

Road crews in Moberly worked quickly to clear primary routes, though many residents reported that residential streets remained untreated. Motorists described challenging conditions on Interstate 70 and surrounding highways, particularly in stretches where snow mixed with rain created slick, unpredictable surfaces. One driver traveling westbound on Highway 54 near County Road 110 lost control at approximately 4:50 a.m., skidded on snow-covered pavement, struck an embankment, and overturned. The 43-year-old man suffered minor injuries and was transported to University Hospital. His 2023 Chevrolet Blazer sustained extensive damage.

Throughout the morning hours, reporters observed numerous vehicles stuck in the snow between Mexico and Montgomery City, including a semi-tractor-trailer that rolled over on the eastbound side of Interstate 70 near mile marker 152, just outside of Kingdom City. Several MSHP units responded around 9:15 a.m. The patrol later posted on X, stating that the overturned truck would remain at the roadside until weather conditions improved enough for safe recovery operations.

As of 8:30 p.m., MoDOT reported that most major routes across Mid-Missouri were clear, with Randolph and Montgomery counties mostly unobstructed and sections of Audrain County still partly covered. Officials continue to urge drivers to reduce speed, stay alert, and avoid unnecessary travel as winter weather persists across the region.

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