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JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- Less than a week after a major storm left Missouri covered with snow and ice, a second storm is moving into the state.

The Missouri Department of Transportation is transferring equipment and personnel to central and northern Missouri, preparing to battle the snow predicted to arrive late Monday night. The forecast indicates the heaviest band of snow will stretch from south of Kansas City to Kirksville, but accumulating snowfall is predicted for all areas north of U.S. 54.

 “MoDOT is prepared and will activate crews to plow and treat roads as soon as possible,” said Elizabeth Wright, MoDOT state maintenance engineer.

“Unfortunately, the combination of strong winds and heavy snowfall means whiteout conditions may occur. That makes travel extremely hazardous and makes clearing roads very difficult.”

Motorists in the western and northern portions of the state should check local weather forecasts and prepare now to alter their work schedules and travel plans on Monday and Tuesday to avoid becoming caught in the storm.

MoDOT also advises drivers of delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, and other high-profile vehicles to be aware of the potential for high winds during the heaviest snowfall. MoDOT recommends these vehicles be prepared to take a break at the nearest accommodating exit at the first sign of trouble or low visibility. MoDOT rest area and truck parking information is available at www.modot.org/services/travel/restarea/index.htm.

If you must venture out, pack food, water, blankets, and a flashlight with fresh batteries. Drive slowly, carefully, and stay back from plow trucks. If you are involved in a crash or slide off the roadway, stay in your vehicle. Crashed vehicles should be moved as far off the roadway as possible.

Stay informed about Missouri road conditions by using MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, available online at www.modot.org, or through MoDOT’s new smartphone app, available for iPhone and Android phones. The map offers current views of road conditions for Missouri interstates and highways. You can zoom in to a particular location, check live weather radar, and view images from MoDOT’s traffic cameras and message boards.