Arctic blast transforms the Parkland into a winter wonderland; readers share photos

By Lisa Brotherton-Barnes | January 28, 2026 |

Aaron Smith–photographer

Most areas of Parkland reported between 8 and 13 inches of snowfall between Jan. 24 and 25. While forecast models varied, no ice was reported by weather watchers or residents.

The dangerously low temperatures brought the area to a crashing halt, with many businesses shuttering their doors mid-afternoon on Saturday to keep employees and patrons safe from travel hazards. Many announced the closures would remain in place until Monday or Tuesday, depending on road conditions and temperature drops.

Emergency service providers were prepared to render assistance where needed and selflessly answered dispatch calls, despite the unbearable temperatures.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported statewide service statistics as of 9 p.m. on Jan. 25, with a total of 1437 Calls For Service, 289 Stranded Motorists, 207 Minor Crashes, 30 Injury Crashes, and one non-weather fatality crash.

Despite the weather’s intensity and the frozen chaos it created, beauty and wonder presented themselves in equal measure. Parkland residents captured some favorite moments and shared them with the Daily Journal, including scenes that rivaled Bob Ross’s “happy little snowscape” paintings, ecstatic kids unaffected by the cold, pristine landscapes, heroes from the St. Francois County Ambulance District, and more.

Readers eagerly shared their favorite photos, from serene landscapes to happy kids rolling in the snow, and we are pleased to present them in an online gallery.

We will continue to add more photos as they are provided to us. Feel free to send your photos to us at news@dailyjournalonline.com. We will publish as many as space will allow, and the photographer will receive credit for their work. When space is limited, we will expand the online gallery.

Please note that, due to a programming issue, the online photos sometimes have the photographer’s name stripped. We apologize for this, and we will launch a new site soon that is more robust and less prone to these issues. Stay tuned!