First snowflakes of winter blanket area

SIKESTON - The first snowfall of winter closed most area schools, was blamed for accidents and provided a winter-wonderland look for Southeast Missouri. And more snow is on the way.

According to the U.S. Weather Service the threat of winter weather continues tonight as another upper level disturbance moves back into the region later today. Forecasters are calling for a chance of snow early tonight with an accumulation of another inch.

Winter weather has contributed to at least one injury-accident in the area as a Wisconsin man was injured early today in Pemiscot County.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, at 12:26 a.m. on Interstate 55, five miles south of Hayti, an accident occurred as southbound motorist Oscar E. Romo, 31, of Milwaukee, Wis., lost control of his vehicle on the ice-covered road, ran off the left side of the road and overturned.

Romo sustained moderate injuries and was taken to Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital in Hayti.

Accidents in New Madrid County and Scott County were reported along Interstate 55 early today. A dispatcher with the New Madrid County Sheriff's Department said no injuries were reported in the accidents in that county.

Elsewhere in Southeast Missouri roads were reported slick but officials noted drivers apparently were being cautious as they ventured out.