Snow and sub-zero wind chills to hit Ripley, Butler, and Stoddard counties: What to expect

Ripley, Butler and Stoddard counties are expected to get a minimum of 4 inches of snow Tuesday into Wednesday after predictions were upgraded to a winter storm warning over the weekend.

Significant accumulating snow is expected Tuesday afternoon and evening, according to the most recent information from the National Weather Service.

The high end of predictions for the local region is 9 inches of snow, but only with a 10% probability.

The most likely outcome is 4-8 inches across northern parts of Ripley, Butler and Stoddard counties, as well as Carter and Wayne counties, with 4-7 inches in the southern areas.

Accumulating snow is expected to begin mid-afternoon Tuesday through much of this area, according to the NWS.

“Accumulating snow will end from west to east during the early to mid-morning hours of Wednesday,” meteorologists report.

They have warned the region to be prepared for travel impacts.

“Dangerous cold will follow the snow Wednesday through Friday,” the reports state.

Wind chills are expected to dip below zero Wednesday and Thursday, dropping as low as -7 degrees Thursday before beginning to rebound somewhat.

Highers are expected to be below freezing Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Lows on Thursday and Friday will be in the single digits.

Poplar Bluff’s warming center, The Bread Shed, is expected to be open overnight while temperatures remain below freezing. The Poplar Bluff Municipal Library and Butler County Health Department also serve as warming centers during the day.

This comes after significant rainfall Saturday caused flash flooding and closed roadways.