Accumulating snow and dangerously cold temperatures are likely this weekend, as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Storm Watch beginning Friday evening for southwest Missouri, including Barry County.

The NWS Springfield upgraded the area from a watch to a warning Thursday afternoon, citing increased confidence in widespread snowfall totals ranging from 7-14 inches. Barry County lies within the zone where the highest amounts are expected, generally along and south of Interstate 44.

The warning will be in effect from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 p.m. Sunday. In addition, a Cold Weather Advisory has been extended from midnight Saturday through noon Monday as bitter cold air settles over southwest Missouri.

Forecasters said snow will arrive in two main rounds. The first round is expected late Friday night into early Saturday morning, bringing periods of moderate to heavy snowfall. A brief lull is possible Saturday afternoon or evening, followed by a second round of moderate to heavy snow Saturday night into Sunday morning. Snow is expected to taper off from west to east late Sunday morning into the afternoon.

Snow will be the primary form of precipitation in the Barry County area, though forecasters said sleet could mix in at times closer to the Missouri-Arkansas border. Confidence remains high that most of the region will see significant accumulations regardless of minor track shifts.

In addition to snow, the storm will bring prolonged and dangerous cold. Overnight lows are expected to drop into the single digits, with wind chills ranging from -10 to -20 degrees each morning through early next week. Forecasters warned that even colder conditions could develop Sunday night, with the potential for an Extreme Cold Warning.

Forecasters said the snow will initially be somewhat dry and fluffy, but prolonged subfreezing temperatures will cause it to compact over time, making snow removal more difficult the longer it remains on the ground. With temperatures expected to stay below freezing through at least Tuesday, snow is likely to persist for several days.

Travel conditions are expected to deteriorate quickly, especially during periods of heavier snowfall. Residents are urged to avoid unnecessary travel, monitor updated forecasts, dress in layers, limit time outdoors and check on elderly neighbors and family members. Motorists should consult Missouri Department of Transportation road condition maps before traveling.

The National Weather Service said its next briefing is scheduled for early Friday morning as forecasters continue refining snowfall amounts and timing.