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City of Columbia winter weather update, Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m.

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(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m., cautioning residents about the rapid accumulation of snow that may make travel extremely difficult. In addition, a cold weather advisory will be in effect from midnight to noon on Monday, Jan. 26, with very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below expected and actual temperatures reaching 5 to 10 degrees below zero.

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

The City of Columbia Public Works has reported that a 28-person snowplow crew has been deployed at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 25 and will continue operations using 12-hour shifts until the winter weather event ends. The focus will be on first and second priority routes, with parking prohibited on these designated snow routes.

According to John Ogan from Public Works, crews are expected to begin plowing third priority roadways later on Sunday. Residential streets may also be plowed overnight; however, it may take until Monday for crews to reach them. For this event, residential plowing will start in outlying areas of Columbia and progress towards the city center in an alternating approach from one winter weather event to the next.

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Residents can track the progress of snow clearing through the Snow Clearing Progress Viewer at CoMoSnow.com which shows which sections of Columbia have been plowed, where plows are currently operating and which areas have not yet been cleared.

In light of the hazardous conditions, unnecessary travel is strongly discouraged during this or any active winter weather event.

Jason West from Utilities has announced that due to frigid temperatures in the forecast, Solid Waste has canceled all recycling collection for Monday, Jan. 26. However, collection will remain on schedule starting from Tuesday, Jan. 27.

MISO, the Midwest energy grid operator, has reported high demand and all generation sources for the City of Columbia are currently running to meet the load. While the regional electric grid remains stable, it is still under strain and residents are urged to cut back on electricity usage where possible while ensuring they stay warm. Suggestions include pausing the dryer, turning off extra lights and unplugging fully charged devices. Businesses can also help by reducing non-essential lighting and large electric loads.

Mike Heimos from Sustainability reminds residents to be "salt smart" this winter by shoveling first and using salt only when temperatures are above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Excess salt should be swept up to protect local waterways and pet owners should remember to rinse their pets' paws after walks as some de-icers can irritate their feet.

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Residents are also reminded of the City ordinance requiring property owners or occupants to keep sidewalks in front of or adjacent to their property free from snow and ice for the safety and accessibility of all.

Austin Krohn from Public Health has announced that several warming centers and shelters will remain open regardless of weather conditions but advises residents to check with the location before going due to changing conditions. Animal Control will only respond to extreme emergencies during this weather event such as vicious dogs running loose, gravely injured animals or bats inside homes. Residents are encouraged to bring their pets indoors during extreme weather.

In case of a non-emergency accident, Brian McNeill from Police advises residents to call 311 or report online as the Columbia Police Department may go into Delayed Accident Reporting due to hazardous traveling conditions. This means that they will only respond to crashes involving serious injuries or criminal elements until weather conditions improve.

As a precautionary measure, drivers are advised to slow down, increase distance between cars, accelerate and decelerate slowly, wear seatbelts and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. All vehicles involved in delayed crash reports will be marked with crime scene tape and towed when weather conditions improve.

Filed Under: Government, City
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