Sikeston struggling to deal with stuck vehicles; DPS encourages 4-wheel drives unless emergency

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Although conditions on major roads seem to have improved, connecting roads are still an issue, according to a news release issued today by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

Snow plows have pushed the snow off toward the side of the road, but the release said this is contributing to the snow at intersections. Many vehicles are bottoming out and becoming stuck just before they reach the main road -- Malone or Main, the release said.

With an estimated 6 inches of snow on the ground, Sikeston DPS said in a release it will tow any abandoned vehicles left on city streets as they are causing traffic problems and difficulties for first responders, the release said.

Furthermore, the Department of Public Safety announced that it is strongly recommending four-wheel vehicles only, and two-wheel drive vehicles should not be driven city streets unless it's an extreme emergency. The department previously issued a release mandating any vehicles on the road to be four-wheel drive on all city streets, but in a later release backed off the mandate, saying it was not a lawful order.

Owners of stuck vehicles need make arrangements to get it moved, the release said. If not, it will be towed at the owner's expense. Meanwhile, Sikeston DPS urged everyone to stay home Monday. "The winter weather that our city has received over the last two days has created some near impossible driving conditions," Capt. Jim McMillen was quoted as saying in the release.

Those who find themselves stuck in the snow should not get out and walk, the release said. Wait in your vehicle until help arrives, because the frigid temperatures with "biting wind chill" can cause exposure issues within minutes. Because there are numerous vehicles stuck and waiting for help, the release said it could be some time before help arrives.

"Tow companies and other services are pushed to their limits at this time trying to assist the many drivers who got their vehicles lodged in 2-3 foot drifts. In addition to the natural snow drifts, snow plows pushing snow off the roads are causing drifts at intersections. This is making it nearly impossible for normal two wheel drive vehicles to pass," the release said.