MISSOURI, USA — On Tuesday, Missouri Governor Mike Parson activated the Missouri National Guard and extended a State of Emergency order for gas companies to help local authorities, families and businesses during severe winter weather midweek.
The St. Louis area is under a Winter Storm Warning Tuesday night into Wednesday for heavy, wet snow. Rain is expected to develop Tuesday evening, most likely after 9 p.m. Overnight, rain will change to snow.
A heavy, wet snow is expected to fall through mid-morning on Wednesday. Temperatures will be around freezing while the heaviest snow falls. This storm will impact travel late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning rush hour.
According to a press release from the Missouri Governor Office of Communications, Parson signed Executive Order 23-02. The order mentions that the storm may create a "condition of distress and hazard to the safety, welfare, and property of Missourians beyond the capabilities of some local jurisdictions and other agencies." The resources of the state may be needed to help affected areas and relieve the condition.
The order also extends the existing State of Emergency established in Executive Order 22-08 and later modified and extended in 22-11. Liquified petroleum gas containers owned by Gygr-Gas may continue to be filled by other Missouri propane companies through Feb. 28.
Gygr-Gas, that previously serviced propane to thousands of customers across 42 Counties in central Missouri, was unresponsive for months. The lack of response left customers' homes and businesses without heat.
Severe weather adds more risk to customers who will not have adequate heat due to Gygr-Gas’ abandonment. The order allows the Missouri Propane Safety Commission to suspend Gygr-Gas’ registration due to lapsed insurance.
The order also allows help from other gas companies to ensure affected Missouri families and businesses are not negatively impacted.
In a statement from the release, Parson said:
"As always, we pray for the best but want to be prepared for the worst. While we hope Missourians will see little disruption due to forecasted winter weather, the state government and the Missouri National Guard will be on alert to assist with response efforts if the need arises. Roadways could become increasingly hazardous, and we want to urge Missourians to be prepared and avoid traveling in poor conditions."
The order will expire on Feb. 28, unless otherwise terminated or extended.
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The Weather First Team will use "Storm Alert" to refer to life-threatening or major-impact weather conditions in our region. "Weather Alert" refers to nuisance or disruptive weather and is indicated by orange icons and bars in our weather graphics on TV and online.
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