Missouri Blasted by Blizzard

Gov. Nixon requests federal emergency declaration for state and local response to severe winter storm hitting Missouri.

Compiled by staff

Published: Feb 4, 2011

The Great Blizzard of 2011 and its aftermath prompted Gov. Jay Nixon to declare a state of emergency in Missouri and activate more than 600 members of the Missouri National Guard to help keep Missouri citizens out of harm's way.

On Feb. 2, Gov. Nixon requested from President Barack Obama an emergency declaration for the entire state of Missouri to assist local jurisdictions and the state with the cost of responding to the record snowfall that affected almost the entire state.

Missouri was the bull's eye for the Feb. 1 blizzard. It deposited 1 to 2 feet of snow in many areas and was accompanied by 30- to 40-mph winds, forcing the closure of Interstate 70 between Kansas City and St. Louis and a significant portion of Interstate 44.

"[The winter storm] burdened local jurisdictions and the state with tremendous response costs," said Gov. Nixon. "I am asking the President to issue an emergency declaration to assist with some of the costs of this historic statewide response."

Gov. Nixon's request for an emergency declaration is for all 114 Missouri counties and the city of St. Louis. Many communities received record or near-record snowfall totals, and they continue to dig out from the largest statewide snowfall in a generation. The declaration would enable the state and local governments to seek reimbursement for some of their costs in responding to the storm to protect public health and safety.

Extra hay loads allowed

To assist Missouri farmers and ranchers with livestock hay and feed supplies running low, the Missouri Department of Agriculture requested, and the Missouri Department of Transportation agreed, to allow slightly overweight loads of agricultural commodities to move on Missouri highways, subject to strict rules.

Livestock producers can request a no-cost permit to haul up to 10% more than their truck's legal weight. However, the heavy loads are not allowed to use interstate routes.

The special overweight permits will stay in effect as long as Missouri Emergency Declaration 11-01, issued by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, remains in effect. The declaration expires at noon on Sunday, Feb. 6. During that time, drivers may also exceed hours of service regulations while providing assistance related to the weather emergency and returning vehicles after such service, according to the waiver of certain federal regulations under 49 CFR 390.23.

FYI

For information about emergency services and resources, visit www.mo.gov.

Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available for most areas of Missouri. In areas where the 211 service is not operational, citizens may call 800-427-4626.