SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Stretches of two major interstate highways in Missouri were shut down on Tuesday. To the north, Interstate 70 is closed between Kansas City and St Louis. Closer to home, westbound lanes of Interstate 44 from Springfield to Oklahoma are closed.
"I've been here for 18 years in this district and this troop, and I've not seen us have a need to close the interstate system like this before," said Missouri State Highway Patrol Lt. Terry Moore.
With wind-driven snow across I-44, many drivers, including truckers, found themselves sliding into the median and ditches, even at slow speeds.
"The truck just literally, woosh, like a hockey puck. I think it is by the grace of God that I didn't tip over," said truck driver Jon Arko.
Many over-the-road haulers have experienced weather like this before but, for some like Arko, it's a surreal sight.
"I've never seen this many tractor trailers needing assistance as I have in the last 20 miles," said Arko.
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I-44 west of Springfield MO is closed for at least Tuesday night
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Some were able to make it to Joplin, but were forced to spend the night, if not multiple nights, because I-44 in Oklahoma, the turnpike, could be shut down until Friday.
"The worst part is just riding 20 miles per hour for 80 miles is bad," said Chevel Harris an over- the-road truck driver. "You really can't tell what's up under the snow and you might hit a patch of ice, slip here and there."
These drivers know it doesn't take long to lose control of a big rig. So, while it delays his delivery, Harris was content to be safe rather than sorry.
"I'd rather be here. At least I can get a meal, get a shower, get something to eat, maybe watch a little TV and stuff like that instead of being out on the highway," said Harris.
