The westbound lanes of Interstate 44 were closed twice Thursday morning in Pulaski County.

The first involved several 18-wheelers sliding off the road and another turning over around 5 a.m. at mile marker 174 between Waynesville and Rolla. Shortly after that was cleared, another incident involving several more big rigs happened at mile marker 176 a little before 7 a.m.

Shortly before 10 a.m., Ashley Bowman reported that U.S. 65 south of Springfield was slick. She said there was a recent slideoff on U.S. 65 just north of the Evans Road exit (in front of the Evangelical Free Church). She said drivers should err on the side of caution because, while the roads aren't treacherous, lthey are slick.

At 9:47, Steve Ehrhardt reported sleet mixed with freezing rain 5 miles south of the town of Battlefield and about 1/10-inch of ice on most surfaces.

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Message from Missouri Department of Transportation at 9:37 a.m.

  * Springfield/Branson/Bolivar/Lebanon Areas

        * Mid-morning Thursday, Feb. 21



Weather: Freezing rain/sleet has fallen throughout southwest Missouri
through the early morning and more freezing precipitation is expected later in
the day into the overnight hours. When freezing rain/sleet falls roadways can
fill up with 1/4 to 1/2 inch of ice in a matter of minutes.  



Road Conditions: Roadways, covered by freezing rain and sleet, are being
treated. The roadways are partly to mostly covered with a mixture of slush/ice.
 They improve while no precipitation is falling.  However, the
conditions will worsen as more bands of freezing rain/sleet move through
southwest Missouri.



Road Clearing: MoDOT crews have been out since 11 p.m. Wednesday ahead of
the storm.  As the storm hit, snow plows began spreading salt and clearing
state roadways to help make them driveable.

        HOWEVER, when freezing rain/sleet
continues or starts again, many roads may remain or become mostly or partly
ice/slush covered.



Travel Advisory: Expect roads to be ice/slush-covered. Be alert for snow
plows clearing roadways.  Crews are working to make them as driveable as
possible.    

       

Driving Tips for Icy Conditions:

        * Buckle up

        * Slow down

        * Avoid sudden stops and turns

        * Increase following distance

        * Make sure vehicle windows are
cleared to ensure visibility

        * Keep plenty of fuel in the tank and
carry an emergency kit

        * Use headlights

        * Keep at least 100 feet behind a
truck plowing/salting the road



Road Condition Information: When MoDOT crews are out in force treating
the roads, you will be able to reach a MoDOT customer service representative at
these numbers:

        * Springfield area: 417-895-7600

        * Joplin area: 417-629-3300

        * Willow Springs/Rolla area:
417-469-3134

        Also for information:

        * 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (1-888-275-6636)

        * MoDOT web site: www.modot.org

        * Highway Patrol Road Conditions
Hotline: 1-800-222-6400