From Plows to Paramedics: How Lincoln County Is Preparing for Incoming Snow

Lincoln County, Mo. — A winter storm is expected to move into the area later today, with snow developing this afternoon and evening and continuing into Sunday. While conditions across Lincoln County remained mostly clear earlier today, officials say the window to prepare is closing as snowfall and dangerous cold move in.

Builders Direct — locally owned and ready when you need them. Roofing, siding, and repairs, often as soon as next day.

Forecast guidance shows snow accumulations of at least several inches, with some reports and model runs suggesting even higher totals in parts of the county. Temperatures are expected to drop sharply behind the snow, bringing dangerously cold wind chills that could create hazardous travel conditions and increase the risk of power outages.

Local agencies across Lincoln County say preparations have been underway for days.

Eric, director of the Lincoln County Highway Department, said crews have been pretreating asphalt roads with salt brine throughout the week and have focused gravel road work on high-traffic areas, hills, curves, and intersections. The department has all plow trucks staged and ready, with plans to operate around the clock in two shifts once snow begins.

“We will only plow asphalt roads until the storm ends,” Eric said. “Once snowfall tapers off, graders will begin working gravel roads. That process takes longer, and travel speeds are much slower on gravel during snow events.”

Lincoln County Emergency Management operating from the 911 building as agencies coordinate ahead of worsening weather.

Quentin with Lincoln County Emergency Management said agencies are coordinating closely with MoDOT, the Highway Department, and emergency services to monitor conditions and staffing as the storm unfolds.

“Our public message is straightforward,” Quentin said. “If you can stay home, do so. If travel is unavoidable, allow extra time and give road crews the space they need to safely do their jobs.”

Chief Ray with the Lincoln County Ambulance District said winter storms like this one can significantly impact response times, especially if roads are not clear. Additional resources are being staged to maintain emergency coverage.

Lincoln County Ambulance District staged and ready as crews prepare for the incoming winter storm and colder conditions.

“Ambulances are subject to the same road conditions as everyone else,” Chief Ray said. “We’re adding extra staffing and equipment, but residents can help by clearing walkways, making house numbers visible, and turning on porch lights if they need emergency assistance.”

Officials are urging residents to prepare now by charging devices, checking supplies, and avoiding unnecessary travel once snow begins. Anyone who must be out is encouraged to carry basic emergency items such as a phone charger, blanket, food, water, and a flashlight.

Residents experiencing power outages should report them directly to their provider:

• Ameren Missouri: 1-800-552-7583

• Cuivre River Electric Cooperative: 1-800-392-3709

County officials stress that conditions may deteriorate quickly once snowfall begins and remind residents that staying off the roads helps crews clear routes faster and respond to emergencies more safely.

Lincoln CountyWatch will continue monitoring road conditions, weather impacts, and emergency response throughout the storm as conditions change. Follow Lincoln CountyWatch on Facebook for real-time alerts and updates, and on TikTok for live coverage as conditions develop across the county.

---

Have information, updates, photos, or video related to weather conditions, road impacts, power outages, or emergency response across Lincoln County?

You can message Lincoln CountyWatch, email tips@LincolnCountyWatch.com, or call/text 636-377-0201. All information is reviewed and verified before publication.