Major Winter Storm to Impact Lakes Region

The National Weather Service now says that a major storm system skirting along the Gulf of Mexico will have a significant impact on the Lakes Region.

Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for areas south of Springfield including both the Branson and Harrison regions beginning late this afternoon through the day on Friday. The Warning includes Barry, Christian, Douglas, Ozark, Stone, and Taney Counties in Missouri along with Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton, and Searcy Counties in Arkansas. Up to six inches of snow is possible throughout the region with higher amounts anticipated in central Arkansas. Precipitation will be all snow, but some areas of northern Arkansas could see a thin glaze of ice as the precipitation starts. 

While most of the day will be dry, the arrival of snow late afternoon could impact the evening commute as is forecast to continue through the Friday morning commute. 

Officials around the region are urging residents to not be out this evening and Friday morning if possible though if travel is necessary, have a winter survival kit including blankets, food, and tools of the vehicle gets stranded. 

Snow is expected to end around the region Friday morning with temperatures getting into the 40s for the upcoming weekend.