Alton, Mo. – An ice storm surged through the area closing schools and businesses. On Thursday, January 23, 2020, residents woke up to find their yards, vehicles, and rooftops glazed in ice. Simply getting off the porch required much dexterity.
The Forecast
The National Weather Service had been forecasting a possible ice storm, leaving the caveat that the moisture could all be either rain or snow, or a mixture.
On Wednesday afternoon minor sleet came into the area. By night, a thin glaze of ice covered the ground. Morning brought more ice with freezing rain.
Canceled School and Some Businesses
At this point, schools were canceled for the day. Many Missouri roads have no shoulder. Driving is dangerous in good weather, even formidable at night or with ice on roadways.
Various senior centers have closed for the day, including Alton, Mammoth Spring, and West Plains. The Oregon County Workshop is also closed.
Be Careful
Although local roads were open, residents that needed to go out were encouraged to be very careful, aware that black ice could be on roadways.
