Nine Dead Following Winter Weather-Related Crashes

At least nine people have died in winter weather-related crashes in several Midwestern states amid a storm that dumped nearly a foot of snow in places and forced schools to close. Most schools closed around the Four States Monday in anticipation of slick conditions.

The National Weather Service says the wintry weather was part of a storm system that hit parts of the Midwest and was expected to extend into the Northeast through Tuesday.

In one of the crashes, the Missouri State Highway Patrol said three people were killed Sunday night in eastern Missouri when a driver lost control and overturned, hitting a stranded motorist from a previous crash and two good Samaritans who were trying to help. Highway Patrol Sgt. John Lueckenhoff tells News Talk KZRG you should not be waiting outside of the vehicle.

“Use the vehicle as that protection. If your vehicle will still operate, and you slid off the road, make sure your tail pipe is not blocked by snowdrift so you don’t end up with carbon monoxide inside the vehicle.”

Listen to our full interview with Sgt. Lueckenhoff on the KZRG Morning News Watch. We talk more about winter weather driving, what to do if you’re stranded in an isolated area, and proper car-seat procedures when it comes to wearing a winter coat.

Check current road conditions at traveler.modot.org.