City of Columbia prepares to respond to winter weather beginning Jan. 23

(COLUMBIA, MO) - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning from midnight to 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 at CoMo.gov.

Public Works
Contact: John Ogan, [email protected]create new email

A 27-person City of Columbia Public Works snowplow crew will report at 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23. Crews will work through 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, after which operations will continue in 12-hour shifts for the duration 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.

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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.

Go COMO Transit
Contact: John Ogan, [email protected]create new email

Go COMO bus service plans to begin operations using a normal Saturday schedule Jan. 24. If conditions worsen, Go COMO may transition to an emergency schedule. Under an emergency schedule, buses would depart Wabash Bus Station at the top of the hour, with routes taking 60 minutes to complete, instead of the usual 45 minutes.

Riders are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for Go COMO Transit text alerts at Alerts.CoMo.gov or checking the Messages tab in the ETA SPOT app.

Paratransit users may experience delays or service cancellations if neighborhood street conditions limit access for vans. Riders should use caution when traveling from their front door to the vehicle. In an emergency, call 911.

Public Health
Contact: Austin Krohn, [email protected]create new email

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.

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Sustainability
Contact: Mike Heimos, [email protected]create new email

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.

Solid Waste Collection
Contact: Jason West, [email protected]create new email

For customers whose trash and recycling were not collected on Friday, please ensure efficient trash collection and snow removal by following these roll cart placement guidelines: https://ow.ly/eU3b50XAqzI.

If your refuse did not get picked up on Friday, please let us know by reporting it to the Contact Center at 573.874.CITY (2489) or online at CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue.

Police
Contact: Brian McNeill, [email protected]create new email

If the weather requires, 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.

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