Update, posted at 8:24 p.m.:
Reports indicate slick roads due to snowfall in parts of Mid-Missouri, especially south and east of Jefferson City. A tractor-trailer overturned near St. Thomas (see story here) in southern Cole County.
The Osage County Emergency Operations Center also reported numerous accidents. Check radar and MoDOT travelers map for current weather and road conditions via the links below.
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Original report filed at 2:48 p.m.:
A band of sleet and freezing rain is currently hitting southern parts of the state, according to the National Weather Service in St. Louis.
Senior forecaster Scott Truett said Mid-Missouri, including Jefferson City, is on the fringes of the storm this afternoon and into this evening.
"Parts of the Ozarks could easily get several inches of snow and north of the Jefferson City area may not see anything," Truett said. "It looks like later tonight and tomorrow a little light snow will move in to the Mid-Missouri area, but overall it looks like accumulation in Jefferson City, and especially north, are going to be on the light side."
He said the storm is expected to "wind down fairly rapidly between noon and 6 p.m. tomorrow."
With the first winter storm of the season, area social service agencies are offering storm safety tips, as well as cold weather tips.
The American Red Cross warns people to pay attention to weather forecasts and know the difference between a winter storm watch and a storm warning.
A watch is issued when winter storm conditions are possible within 36-48 hours and a warning is when the storm conditions have already begun or will begin within 24 hours.
The Red Cross also recommends every household have a three-day water supply, flashlight, a battery-powered weather radio with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a seven-day supply of medications and medical items and supplies for babies and pets.
"It's important to be prepared ahead of the storm, and know what to do during it as well," said Dave Griffith, American Red Cross Heart of Missouri Chapter executive director. "It's always good to have emergency supplies for your entire household at home and in your car, because you never know what may happen."
Griffith also suggests to check in on your neighbors, especially those requiring special assistance and those living alone.
The United Way of Central Missouri's 2-1-1, a call center that offers information on a broad range of services, recommends several personal weather tips. Some tips include dress in layered clothing and wear some sort of head gear or covering, make sure fireplace flues are working properly, keep pets inside and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.
For additional information on what to do during a winter storm or cold weather, or to find warming shelters call 2-1-1 from a land line or call 800-427-4626 from cellular phones. You may also call the numbers if you need help locating resources to pay for heating bills.
Additional resources: