The Lakes Region begins the long holiday weekend snow covered with extremely cold temperatures.

The cold front that moved through the area Thursday dropped temperatures in a matter of hours from the upper 30’s to the single digits before settling below zero overnight. Wind chills have consistently been in the 20 to 30 Degree below range. 

According to information from the Missouri Department of Transportation, most major roads in the region are either covered or partially covered with snow while the Arkansas Department of Transportation reports most roads in the region are still snow covered.

Most reports to the National Weather Service indicate around one to two inches of snow in the region with one report from the Branson area indicating two and a half inches of snowfall.  

Power outages were reported in several areas of the Lakes Region Thursday. Entergy, Liberty, White River, and Carroll County Electric report they still have some outages they are working to repair this morning. 

While it will be sunny today, the cold temperatures will persist with strong northwest winds keeping wind chills well below zero. Silver Dollar City are among the businesses and attractions that will be closed again today. 

While conditions will be slightly better in some areas, those that must travel today are reminded to plan extra time for those trips and be prepared for slick road conditions to slow travel time. 

Temperatures are expected to get up into the 20's Christmas Eve with temperatures around 32 for Christmas Day with no more precipitation in the forecast.