City of Columbia winter weather update, Jan. 24, 3:30 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO)- The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Heavy snow is expected with additional accumulations between 7 and 10 inches. The NWS warns that rapid accumulation of snow may make it extremely difficult to travel.

As winter weather can be unpredictable, residents are encouraged to closely monitor the forecast and changing road conditions throughout the mid-Missouri area. Updates will be posted on the City's various social media accounts. Information and updates are also available on the City's website.

Public Works

• Contact: John Ogan, [email protected]

A 28-person City of Columbia Public Works snowplow crew reported for duty at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Crews will maintain continuous operations using 12-hour shifts until the winter weather event ends.

Pavement temperatures are expected to remain below freezing throughout the event, and extreme cold will significantly limit the effectiveness of salt. As a result, this is expected to be primarily a plowing operation. Drivers should anticipate slick conditions on all roadways, including those that have been plowed.

Crews will first focus on first and second priority routes, which include major arterial streets, emergency routes and roads serving critical facilities. Residential streets will be addressed after priority routes are consistently maintained in near-normal condition.

When snow accumulation reaches 2 inches or more, parking is prohibited on first and second priority snow routes. Vehicles parked on these routes may be ticketed or towed. These restrictions help crews clear streets more efficiently and keep routes accessible for emergency vehicles.

Parking will continue to be allowed on third-priority roads throughout the event. However, if residents are able, please park vehicles off streets and on driveways where possible. Residents can check snow route locations at CoMoSnow.com and sign up for text alerts regarding snow route parking restrictions at Alerts.CoMo.gov.

Unnecessary travel is not advised during this or any active winter weather event. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and give snowplow crews the space they need to operate safely and efficiently.

Utilities

• Contact: Jason West, [email protected]

Solid Waste crews finished collecting trash and recycling material Saturday morning.

Due to the frigid temperatures in the current forecast, Solid Waste has canceled all recycling collection for Monday, Jan. 26. At this time, collection will remain on schedule beginning with Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Currently, all generation sources for the City of Columbia are up and running. While the regional electric grid remains stable, it is under strain. Please help by cutting back where you can, while concentrating on staying warm. Examples of activities that can help while still keeping the heat on at home are: pausing the dryer, turning off extra lights and unplugging devices that are fully charged. Businesses can also help by sending non-essential personnel home, reducing non-essential lighting and reducing large electric loads. Every little bit helps prevent outages.

Sustainability

• Contact: Mike Heimos, [email protected]

Be salt smart this winter. Shovel first, use salt only when temperatures are above 15 degrees Fahrenheit and apply sparingly to cleared surfaces. Sweep up excess salt to protect local waterways, and remember that some de-icers can irritate pets' paws-rinse their feet after walks. Small actions make a big difference for safety, our environment and our community.

Sidewalk Snow Removal

Residents are reminded that the City ordinance requires those who own or occupy property to keep sidewalks in front of, or adjacent to, their property free from snow and ice. Thanks for keeping our community safe and accessible for all.

Public Health

• Contact: Austin Krohn, [email protected]

Several warming centers and shelters are planning to be open regardless of weather conditions. Due to changing conditions, it is recommended to check with the location before going. Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church will host an overnight warming center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 23 through Jan. 25. The overnight warming center serves as a refuge of last resort. As capacity allows, persons who are eligible for overnight shelter at Room at the Inn and/or Salvation Army Harbor House will be directed to those resources.

Animal Control will only respond to extreme emergencies during this weather event, such as a vicious dog running loose, a gravely injured animal or a bat inside a home. Reports can be made by calling 573.449.1888. Response times may be delayed depending on road conditions. Residents are encouraged to bring pets inside during extreme weather.

Police

• Contact: Brian McNeill, [email protected]

If the weather requires it, the Columbia Police Department will go into Delayed Accident Reporting. This means that due to hazardous traveling conditions, the Columbia Police have implemented the delayed crash report protocol and will only be responding to crashes involving serious injuries or criminal elements.

If you are involved in a non-emergency accident, please call 311 or report online.

As the hazardous weather continues, we ask that you slow down, increase distance between cars, accelerate and decelerate slowly, wear a seatbelt and take all other precautions to keep yourself and others safe.

All vehicles that have been responded to as part of a delayed crash report will be marked with crime scene tape and towed when weather conditions improve.

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.