Interstate 70 Shut Down in Both Directions Near Lake St. Louis, Missouri, as Heavy Snow Causes Major Traffic Standstill
ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI — A major winter storm has brought traffic on Interstate 70 near Lake St. Louis Boulevard to a complete halt Monday afternoon, with both directions of the busy highway shut down due to heavy snow accumulation and poor visibility.
Images from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) traffic cameras show a gridlocked interstate covered in snow, with emergency vehicles and semi-trucks stranded alongside passenger cars. The conditions have deteriorated rapidly, leaving drivers stuck in long backups as snow continues to pile up across the region.
I-70 Fully Blocked as Conditions Worsen
According to MoDOT updates, Interstate 70 is closed in both directions near Lake St. Louis Boulevard, one of the main commuter stretches connecting St. Charles County and the St. Louis metro area.
The heavy snowfall has made travel nearly impossible, with side roads and backroads also becoming snow-covered and hazardous. Authorities are urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary, warning that plows and emergency crews are struggling to reach certain sections due to the standstill.
“Not going anywhere anytime soon,” one driver posted alongside an image showing miles of stranded vehicles. “I-70 at Lake St. Louis Blvd is shut down in both directions, and side roads are piling up just as fast.”
Travel Advisory: Avoid the Area
Meteorologists report that this part of eastern Missouri has seen intense bursts of snow and near-whiteout conditions through the afternoon. With temperatures well below freezing, any untreated surfaces are icing over quickly, compounding travel hazards.
MoDOT crews are working to clear primary routes, but progress has been slow. Officials confirmed that plowing operations and salt treatments are ongoing across St. Charles, St. Louis, and Franklin Counties, though new snow is quickly covering treated surfaces.
Drivers who find themselves stranded are advised to stay inside their vehicles with hazard lights on, conserve fuel, and avoid walking in the roadway due to limited visibility and slippery conditions.
Local Roads Also Impacted
In addition to I-70, side streets and smaller county roads around O’Fallon, Wentzville, and Lake St. Louis are becoming impassable. Local authorities are reporting multiple minor accidents and slide-offs as drivers attempt to navigate through the snow.
Officials have reiterated that road conditions are expected to worsen into the evening hours, and cleanup could take until Tuesday morning depending on snowfall rates overnight.
Forecast: Snow Tapering Late Tonight
The National Weather Service in St. Louis says snow showers are expected to taper off gradually overnight, though bitterly cold air will settle in behind the system. Temperatures are expected to drop into the teens by early Tuesday, making refreezing a major concern.
Motorists are urged to check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map and local forecasts before heading out, as additional closures or delays are possible through Tuesday morning.
Residents are advised: if you don’t have to travel, stay off the roads until conditions improve.
For continued winter weather coverage and regional updates, 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.