City of Columbia, MO
01/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/24/2026 08:43
City of Columbia winter weather update, Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m.
P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2026
CONTACT: Sydney Olsen
Engagement and Public Communications Manager
City Manager's Office
City of Columbia
573.874.7438
[email protected]
City of Columbia winter weather update, Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m.
(COLUMBIA, MO)- The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning from until 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Heavy snow is expected with accumulations between 6 and 12 inches. The NWS warns that rapid accumulation of snow may make it extremely difficult to travel.
A cold weather advisory is also into effect until noon Saturday, Jan. 24 with wind chills as low as 20 below zero.
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
A 28-person City of Columbia Public Works snowplow crew reported for duty at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Crews will work 12-hour shifts until the end of the winter weather event.
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.
Solid Waste Collection
Crews have been out Saturday morning to finish routes from Friday. If your refuse did not get picked up, please let us know by reporting it to the Contact Center online at CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue.
Public Health
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.
A cold weather advisory is also into effect until noon Saturday, Jan. 24 with wind chills as low as 20 below zero.
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 work 12-hour shifts until the end of the winter weather event.
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.
Solid Waste Collection
- Contact: Jason West, [email protected]
Crews have been out Saturday morning to finish routes from Friday. If your refuse did not get picked up, please let us know by reporting it to the Contact Center online at CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue.
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.
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.
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City of Columbia, MO published this content on January 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 24, 2026 at 14:43 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]