UPDATE: 6:15 p.m. MODOT reports U.S. 61 southbound north of Hannibal and northbound in Hannibal are back open.

It is a dangerous day to be traveling on the highways of northeast Missouri and western Illinois.

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As of early afternoon Thursday, a winter storm is still in the process of dumping up to 9 inches of snow on the area.

About 1:30 p.m., the Missouri Department of Transportation reported that southbound U.S. 61 had been closed near the 61/24 split north of the Clear Creek Subdivision north of Hannibal due to several semis being stuck along that stretch.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook that there were 100 vehicles stuck along that stretch of 61.

At that time, U.S. 24 southbound was still open.

Earlier Facebook posts had indicated that tow truck drivers had told law enforcement that they would not be venturing out until the snow stops, which forecasters are saying will be around 6 p.m.

MODOT also reports northbound U.S. 61 is closed in Hannibal at the MODOT District Office and the old Welcome Center, with traffic backed up to the Injun Joe Campground between Hannibal and New London.

Hannibal Police also issued an advisory Thursday afternoon, urging the public not to travel in vehicles or on foot during the winter storm. HPD says staying off the roads will help snow crews and emergency personnel to keep the road clear.

As always, you can keep up with road conditions on the MODOT Traveler's Information Map or on the IDOT Driving Around Illinois website.

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