Quick Read
- Early snowfall caused major traffic disruptions and crashes across St. Louis on December 1, 2025.
- MoDOT crews were delayed in treating roads due to inaccurate weather forecasts.
- Multiple highways, including I-70, I-44, I-64, and I-270, experienced lane closures from accidents.
- School districts announced early dismissals and canceled activities due to hazardous conditions.
- MoDOT completed bridge work on Highway 54 south of Jefferson City, though minor lane closures continue.
Snow Arrives Early, MoDOT Scrambles to Respond
On December 1, 2025, the St. Louis region found itself at the mercy of an early snowfall that upended traffic plans and sent MoDOT crews racing to treat roads. According to Bob Becker, District Maintenance Engineer at the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), the snowstorm arrived several hours ahead of forecasts. “Our expectation was this was coming in 4 o’clock this afternoon, so we didn’t get out there,” Becker admitted in a statement to KSDK. “If we would have known this was coming in at noon, we would have been out there this morning.”
That delay proved costly. Untreated roads quickly became slick and hazardous, setting the stage for a cascade of accidents that left highways across St. Charles County and the broader St. Louis area gridlocked. As snow blanketed the region, drivers faced treacherous conditions and long delays.
Traffic Chaos: Multiple Crashes and Lane Closures
By midday, traffic anchors were reporting “crashes everywhere.” The first major backup stemmed from a crash on westbound Interstate 70 at Lake St. Louis Boulevard, where two left lanes were shut down around 11:35 a.m. A stalled vehicle in the eastbound lanes compounded the congestion. The situation was similar on other major highways: I-44, I-64, and I-270 all saw multiple crashes and lane closures, as documented by MoDOT’s real-time traveler map.
Some of the most severe incidents included:
- I-44 eastbound at US 50, westbound at Missouri 100, eastbound at Elm Avenue, and westbound at Arsenal—all sites of reported crashes.
- I-64 eastbound at I-70, eastbound at Prospect Road, westbound at Clayton Road, eastbound at McKnight, and eastbound at Hampton experienced delays due to accidents.
- I-70 eastbound at Wentzville Parkway, Bryan Road, Hanley Road; westbound at Lake St. Louis saw backups from crashes.
- I-270 northbound at 370, westbound at I-170, and ramp from eastbound I-270 to southbound I-170 closed or slowed due to incidents.
“Crashes are everywhere,” emphasized Paul Cook, Traffic Anchor for 5 On Your Side at noon, underscoring the widespread impact of the weather event.
MoDOT’s Round-the-Clock Response and Safety Advice
In the face of mounting disruptions, Tom Blair, St. Louis District Engineer, pledged that MoDOT crews would work “around the clock” to clear the roads. But navigating already congested streets posed a challenge. The agency urged drivers to avoid unnecessary travel, slow down, and give snowplows ample room to operate. “Check road conditions before leaving through MoDOT’s traveler map,” MoDOT advised, and “buckle up while on the roads.”
With highways partially covered by snow as of 12:25 p.m., the risks remained high. The Missouri Department of Transportation’s traveler map and traffic cameras became essential tools for motorists seeking safe routes—or deciding to stay put.
Ripple Effects: Early School Dismissals and Canceled Activities
The impact of the weather extended beyond the roadways. School districts across the area, including Wentzville, Francis Howell, and Fort Zumwalt, announced early dismissals for students and canceled after-school activities. For many families, the sudden change in plans underscored how swiftly winter weather can disrupt daily routines.
Local authorities continued to update the public on closures and conditions as the situation developed, with a promise of more information as the snowfall persisted into the evening.
Highway 54 Project Near Jefferson City Reaches Milestone
While crews in St. Louis battled snow, MoDOT shared a different kind of update south of Jefferson City. The agency announced the completion of major roadwork on Highway 54, specifically the bridge work over the Neighorn Branch, which finished on Friday, November 28. The project, reported by KRCG, included the removal of turning restrictions that had been in place during construction.
MoDOT cautioned that some single lane closures would continue over the next few weeks to smooth out pavement approaches, and all remaining work is weather permitting. The Highway 54 improvements mark a significant achievement for regional transportation infrastructure—though the timing coincides with the agency’s ongoing battle against winter’s first big punch in St. Louis.
Looking Forward: Lessons from the First Snow
This early snowstorm served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of winter weather in Missouri. For MoDOT, it highlighted the importance of flexible planning and the need for rapid response capabilities. The public’s reliance on real-time traveler maps and camera feeds underscores the value of transparent, up-to-date communication from transportation agencies.
As crews continue to clear the roads and wrap up seasonal construction, the coming weeks will test Missouri’s resilience—and MoDOT’s readiness—again and again.
MoDOT’s swift response to unexpected snow and completion of Highway 54 improvements reflect both the challenges and achievements of a transportation agency navigating the demands of winter and infrastructure development. The events in St. Louis demonstrate how a few hours’ difference in weather forecasting can upend plans, but also how collaboration and information-sharing can help communities adapt.