City of Columbia winter weather update, Feb. 18, 8:30 a.m.

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(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory and cold weather alert for the mid-Missouri area. The advisory is in effect until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, with an expected additional snow accumulation of 1 to 5 inches. This could potentially impact commutes on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to the NWS, wind chills as low as 20 degrees below 0 are expected through noon on Wednesday. These conditions can lead to hypothermia or frostbite in as little as 30 minutes if proper precautions are not taken.

In light of the unpredictable nature of winter weather, residents are advised to closely monitor the forecast and road conditions in their area. Updates will be provided through the City's social media accounts and CoMo.gov.

The Public Works department has taken necessary measures to combat the snowfall by deploying a crew of 25 snowplow operators at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17. Another crew of 25 will take over at 7 a.m. on Feb.18. Priority roads will be given special attention to ensure safe passage for drivers.

To aid in snow removal efforts, drivers are urged to avoid parking on priority roads which are marked with red, white, and blue signs or can be identified using the Street and Snow Route Priority Viewer map at CoMoSnow.com.

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Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged due to gusty winds causing blowing and drifting snow which can reduce visibility. For those who must travel, it is important to follow safety tips such as slowing down and maintaining extra stopping distance, using headlights even during the day for better visibility, giving plows enough space (at least 100 feet) and never passing them on the right side.

Drivers should also ensure that their vehicles are properly cleared of all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights for maximum visibility. Checking tire treads and inflation is also recommended for better traction on slick roads.

The Public Works department will continue to monitor conditions and treat roads as needed. They thank drivers for taking necessary precautions to ensure everyone's safety.

Go COMO fixed-route bus service will operate as usual on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Riders are encouraged to use the ETA SPOT app to track the real-time location of their bus and receive service updates. Delays will also be communicated through the Alerts.CoMo.gov system, available via text, email or voice call.

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Paratransit services will operate on a case-by-case basis and customers will be contacted directly if there are any issues accessing their homes. Riders are advised to exercise caution when traveling to bus stops or pickup points as paths may be icy or snow-covered.

The Utilities department has also taken necessary measures in light of the winter weather. Tuesday residential curbside refuse collection began as scheduled, but the team will continue monitoring the weather throughout the day. If your refuse is not picked up as scheduled, please leave your cart curbside and report it to the Contact Center at 573.874.CITY (2489) or online at CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue.

Curbside recycling collection has been canceled for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week due to the frigid temperatures forecasted for those days.

To ensure efficient trash collection and snow removal, residents are reminded to follow guidelines for roll cart placement during winter weather which can be found at CoMo.gov/city-source/december-2024/roll-cart-placement-winter-weather.

In case of missed refuse or recycling pickup, residents are advised to leave their carts curbside and report it to the Contact Center at 573.874.CITY (2489) or online at CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue.

The City of Columbia urges residents to take necessary precautions and stay safe during this winter weather advisory.

Filed Under: Government, City
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