2/1/2011 Joplin, MO Epic Blizzard Conditions

BNVN Weather Paparazzi Brandon Sullivan is in Joplin, MO today for the epic blizzard that is hitting that central part of the United States and dumped over 20 inches of snow in the Joplin area.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is reporting their crews along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol have shut down I-44 at James River Freeway, aka Hwy 360 just west of Springfield, MO at mile marker 69.  Traffic is being diverted off the interstate due to the closure of the Will Rogers Turnpike in Oklahoma which has caused trucks and other motor vehicles to back up and block exit ramps on westbound I-44.

MoDOT Director of System Management Don Hillis said "We’re in a state of emergency, and people need to act accordingly."This is a storm unlike anything we’ve seen in a long time, and it will take us some time to get things cleaned up.  People need to stay off of the highways until we can get them cleared."
 
The footage Brandon shot during the late morning shows how treacherous the travel has become.   The National Guard has been activated in northeast Oklahoma to search for stranded motorists.  If you don’t have to travel in the storm, stay home unless it is a life or death emergency.
To license tis footage, contact http://www.StormChasingVidoe.com
Extreme blizzard video from Brandon Sullivan in Joplin, MO