Mayor Spencer and City Partners Announce Winter Weather Preparations

Today, Mayor Cara Spencer and multiple City partners announced enhancements to this year's winter weather and snow removal plans. Multiple leaders across several departments came together to assess snow removal plans, equipment readiness, and outline the City's overall winter weather preparedness plans.

"This year's Snow Preparedness Plan demonstrates that the City of St. Louis has taken the lessons of recent winter storms and turned them into meaningful action," said Mayor Cara Spencer. "This is not simply last year's plan repeated. It is a plan that reflects careful evaluation, operational improvements, and a commitment to better service for our residents."

After reviewing the 2026 winter after action report, the City's primary focus remains the clearance of designated snow routes. Beginning in May 2026, the City began preparing by reviewing route maps and, over the last six months, they hired and trained personnel, identified bids and obtained salt, conducted plowing dry runs, established Snow Command Center schedules, and identified and trained Quality Assurance personnel."

The City is also entering its second year implementing Code Blue to service the unhoused community in St. Louis.

"This year, we will have more shelter space available throughout the city, including on the Northside," said Dr. Adam Pearson, Director of Human Services. "These shelters will span from Baden to Soulard. Some of those shelters are first time partners and we are excited to be collaborating with them."

In line with National Weather Service predictions, the St. Louis area is expecting a warmer than normal winter weather forecast. Regardless, the City and its partners will continue to prepare for severe winter storm conditions.

"A mild winter does not mean an unimpactful winter," said Ben Herzog with the National Weather Service. "We remain committed to supporting the City of St. Louis whenever hazardous weather threatens the region."

To solidify the City's readiness, Mayor Cara Spencer signed Executive Order 99 today, cementing winter plans for future cold seasons. The Executive Order defines the winter weather season, solidifies the Unified Command structure, describes the City's emergency operations levels, and clarifies department roles and responsibilities.

"Last year was about building the framework our city desperately needed," said Mayor Spencer. "This year, we are making sure that framework stays in place, so we keep building in the years to come."