Dozens of Accidents and Highway Closures Reported as Winter Storm Shuts Down I-64 and Highway 141 in St. Louis
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — Dangerous winter weather brought travel to a standstill across St. Louis on Monday evening, as dozens of accidents and vehicle slide-offs were reported along major highways, including Interstate 64 and Highway 141. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) confirmed widespread traffic backups, with emergency crews working through heavy snow and icy conditions to clear the roadways.
Snow and Ice Cause Chaos Across Major Highways
By late evening, traffic cameras showed long lines of vehicles stranded on snow-covered stretches of both I-64 and Highway 141, with flashing emergency lights visible for miles. MoDOT officials said crews were responding to multiple collisions, including several jackknifed trucks and vehicles that slid off the roadway due to ice buildup.
Photos from MoDOT traffic cameras captured the severity of the situation, showing hundreds of vehicles stopped as blowing snow and freezing temperatures turned highways into sheets of ice.
“We’re dealing with dozens of accidents across the St. Louis area,” MoDOT said in a public update. “Drivers should avoid travel tonight unless absolutely necessary. Conditions are extremely hazardous.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol also confirmed that response times were delayed due to the number of incidents happening simultaneously across the metro region.
Drivers Stranded as Emergency Crews Struggle to Keep Up
Traffic came to a near-complete stop on eastbound I-64 near Lake St. Louis Boulevard as snow continued to fall heavily through the evening. Several vehicles slid into ditches or into each other, while tow trucks and first responders worked to reopen lanes.
Visibility was reported to be low, with strong winds blowing snow across the roads and reducing sightlines for drivers. The Missouri River bridge crossings also became severely congested, with both MoDOT and local police closing portions of ramps until conditions improved.
Officials Urge Residents to Stay Home
Authorities are urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions stabilize. MoDOT said salt trucks and plows are working around the clock, but the continued cold temperatures are limiting their effectiveness.
“Even treated roads are slick tonight,” one MoDOT supervisor said. “We’re seeing flash freezing and continuous slide-offs, especially on bridges, ramps, and elevated surfaces.”
Weather Outlook
The snowstorm affecting the region is part of a larger winter system sweeping through the Midwest, expected to continue impacting eastern Missouri and southern Illinois through early Tuesday. Forecasters warn that temperatures will remain below freezing overnight, creating black ice hazards into the morning commute.
Motorists are advised to check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or local news before leaving home and to allow emergency crews the space they need to operate safely.
For continued updates on road closures, weather alerts, and travel advisories, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.