Missouri – Governor Mike Parson has signed Executive Order 25-01 in response to the severe winter weather forecast for Missouri this weekend, thus improving state readiness and guaranteeing public safety. This Order is an essential first act in organizing resources and helping citizens as Missouri gets ready for major snow and ice accumulation.
For commercial drivers carrying necessary household heating fuels including propane, natural gas, and heating oil, the executive action temporarily removes several rules. This action seeks to ensure Missouri homes have enough gasoline throughout the storm. The Order also gives the Adjutant General of Missouri permission to activate sections of the state militia, including the Missouri National Guard, as required to support efforts at emergency response and recovery.
“With a hazardous winter storm forecasted for this weekend, we want to be prepared to respond however may be needed,” Governor Parson said in a news release.
“Missourians should be proactive in their preparations and so too should state government. This Order helps ensure Missourians’ homes stay heated and that state government and our National Guard members stand ready to assist. We ask that all Missourians stay aware and use extreme caution during this potentially dangerous winter weather event.”
Covering almost all of Missouri, the National Weather Service has issued a snow storm watch effective from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. In northern sections of the state, the weather alert forecasts more than 10 inches of snow and sleet along with possible power outages and tree damage resulting from ice accumulation. Another risk is the predicted extreme cold, especially in night-time hours.
To prevent unsafe traffic conditions, residents are recommended to postpone needless travel. Governor Parson and the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) advise anyone who have to drive to verify current road conditions using the MoDOT Traveler Information Map app. Available across numerous smart devices, the free software offers real-time updates essential for safe travel.
Read also: Kansas City deploys 300 trucks and new technology to manage massive snowfall this weekend
Apart from travel advice, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has published health and safety recommendations to assist citizens in handling the extreme cold and possible power loss. These include advice on ensuring that every household member has enough warm clothes and blankets, avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning while utilizing alternative heating sources, and staying warm without electricity.
Unless changed or expanded, Executive Order 25-01 expires January 13, 2025. Governor Parson’s proactive approach emphasizes the state’s determination to protect its citizens and react properly to winter crises. Residents may visit the official state website for further information on the Order and to examine the complete documentation.
