Missouri urges winter preparations after sharp rise in hypothermia deaths
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After an unusually warm start to fall, officials remind you that snow, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures are just several weeks away.
Winter Weather Preparedness Week runs November 2-6, encouraging families to prepare for hazardous roads, power outages, and extreme cold.
The warning comes after 64 people died from hypothermia in Missouri in 2025, an increase of 26 deaths, or 68%, from the previous year.
Winter driving also proved dangerous.
Preliminary figures show roughly 3,700 crashes during snow, sleet, hail or icy conditions in 2025, resulting in 656 injuries and nine deaths.
This winter could bring additional uncertainty. Forecasters expect a strong to very strong El Niño, but Missouri's location in a transition zone makes it difficult to predict how much snow or ice the state will receive.
Residents are encouraged to stock several days' worth of food, water, and emergency supplies. Motorists should keep blankets, warm clothing, and emergency kits in their vehicles.
Officials also warn against using generators indoors and urge residents to check carbon monoxide detectors and keep flammable materials away from space heaters.
Throughout the preparedness week, officials will highlight winter weather alerts, ice and snow safety, extreme cold, and emergency planning.
