Expect dangerously slick roads by later this afternoon in southwest IL, St. Louis region

As temperatures continue to fall in the metro-east area this afternoon, people are strongly encouraged to stay off the roads.

Lydia Jaja, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said Thursday morning the metro-east area will see a changeover from rain to a wintry mix by about noon.

Temperatures will continue to plummet through the afternoon and eventually get below freezing. at which point Jaja strongly discouraged travel.

“Generally, this afternoon by probably around 3 p.m., people shouldn’t be on the roads because temperatures are going to drop and everything that falls on the road will be frozen,” she said. “Roads will be slick.”

She strongly encouraged people to stay off the slick roads throughout the evening hours as well. However, she does not expect major issues with the morning commute Friday.

“Everything should be out of the area by 9 p.m. so, for tomorrow’s commute, hopefully roads will be treated by that point,” Jaja said. “Hopefully by about 7 a.m. the roads will be treated and temperatures will start to rise so everything will start to melt.”

Overall, Jaja noted the metro-east area likely will get less than a 0.10 of an inch of ice and less than 1 inch of snow.

Additionally, the metro-east area is under a flood watch until 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service recommends keeping plugged into the forecast as it develops, www.weather.gov.