The National Weather Service has declared a winter storm warning for the St. Louis and Metro East area. The heaviest band is expected to cross the area south of St. Louis, including all of Monroe County. The first wave is expected today to drop between three to four inches of snow in Monroe County by 6 p.m. The second round is the heaviest and should reach the area about 9 p.m.

Snow fall should increase overnight and is expected to result in a total snow fall accumulation of 8 to 11 inches by Friday morning. Wind speeds should reach 15 to 20 m.p.h., resulting in some drifting of the snow. Temperatures will remain at or below the freezing mark on Friday. The high on Saturday is predicted to be 40 degrees, which should start the melting process.

“Stay indoors if you can,” said Gene Henckler, director of the local office of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. “Only make trips on the road if it is essential.”

Henckler also advised that organizations which have plans for tonight or tomorrow consider canceling the activities and rescheduling them for a later date.

For additional information, the National Weather Service advises to refer to their website: www.weather.gov and click on St. Louis, Mo.