The first blasts of arctic weather swept through the region on Wednesday evening, bringing freezing sleet and accumulations of snow from one to three inches. State officials warned motorists to remain at home if possible Thursday morning, as wind gusts of up to 45 miles-per-hour and wind chill as low as 25 below zero. Several area warming stations were opened to local residents in the event of power outages or other disruptions. Kelly Creek in Pierce City, located at South Park, reflected the swirling snow and frigid temperatures that were expected to continue through the weekend. By Wednesday, Missouri’s fickle, “wait a minute, it will change” weather patterns predicted temperatures back into the low 50s. Melonie Roberts/mroberts@cherryroad.com
