A multi-vehicle pileup on the afternoon of February 16 brought westbound Interstate 70 in Warren County, Missouri, to a standstill, closing the highway between Wright City and Warrenton.

What happened: The accidents occurred while a winter weather advisory was in effect, during which the area received over 5 inches of snowfall. Local officials indicate that there were multiple collisions on the interstate described as "pile-ups," though the exact number of vehicles involved has not been disclosed.

Driving warnings: Warren County Emergency Management Agency advised motorists to avoid travel unless necessary and warned that the number of vehicles requiring towing exceeded the availability of tow trucks.

• The closures resulted in substantial traffic backups, with authorities urging those already on the road to be prepared for extended waiting times.

Emergency measures: As temperatures were expected to drop severely overnight, Warren County EMA activated the Emergency Weather Response Hotline for anyone needing shelter, with potential transportation assistance for those stranded.

Clean-up efforts: By early evening, some movement was reported in the westbound lanes, but one lane remained closed and the Warren County EMA did not have an estimated time for full reopening, according to the Warren County Record.

Highway 47 also faced closures but was later fully reopened, along with incremental progress in clearing State Highway TT.