St. Louis Braces for Major Snowstorm as Forecasts Predict Heavy Accumulations
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — A significant snowstorm is poised to impact the St. Louis metro area beginning early Tuesday, February 18, 2025, with forecasts predicting accumulations of 1 to 4 inches across the city and up to 12 inches in areas to the south.
According to the National Weather Service, the winter storm will commence shortly after midnight, bringing mostly dry, fluffy snow and arctic air. Early predictions indicate the highest snow totals will occur south of St. Louis, affecting counties that could see between 8 and 12 inches by late Tuesday.
The storm system is expected to move through Missouri on Tuesday, with snow continuing into the morning hours before tapering off in the afternoon. However, heavier snow will resume Tuesday evening, continuing into early Wednesday morning. “The duration and timing of this snow suggest substantial accumulation,” a meteorologist explained.
Temperatures in the teens combined with this cold air will result in a drier type of snow. “Typically, 1 inch of moisture yields about 10 inches of snow, but in these conditions, we may see a 1-to-15 or 20 ratio,” the meteorologist said. This means that even with limited moisture, significant snow can accumulate due to the low temperatures.
A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the St. Louis area, while a Winter Storm Warning is in effect for regions to the south. Authorities caution that travel conditions may become treacherous, particularly southwest of the metro due to blowing snow and reduced visibility.
“Winds are expected to gust over 20 mph, which will cause snow to drift across the roads, compounding visibility issues,” officials cautioned. As temperatures remain in the single digits and low teens throughout the day, snow will likely stick, increasing challenges for motorists and city crews.
Local officials are taking precautions ahead of the storm. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones‘ office has coordinated with the transportation department to pre-treat roads with salt to mitigate snow accumulation. However, the city will not plow residential streets, a decision informed by past experiences where large trucks caused damage.
“We ran into significant issues in the past with plowing residential streets, so our current focus is on main thoroughfares,” said Conner Kerrigan, a spokesman for the mayor. “Smaller plow trucks are being ordered for next season to better manage residential areas.”
In preparation, residents are advised to avoid parking on streets if possible. If parking is necessary, they are encouraged to park no more than 12 inches from the curb to prevent towing. Local officials remind citizens that shoveling driveways is the responsibility of homeowners.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis area is poised for a cold week ahead, with temperatures potentially plunging to near record lows on Wednesday. Cold air will dominate throughout the week, ensuring that whatever snow falls will linger longer than usual, keeping roads and walkways snow-covered.
