(COLUMBIA, MO) - The City of Columbia is continuing to monitor and prepare to respond to winter weather that is expected to impact the mid-Missouri area beginning Saturday, Jan. 4.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning in effect from 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 until 6 a.m. Monday, Jan. 6. The NWS forecasts Heavy sleet and snow is expected with total snow and sleet accumulations between 4 and 10 inches.

The NWS reports that "travel could be very difficult to impossible." The NWS also says that hazardous conditions "could impact the Monday morning commute."

City resources will be utilized to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. The Public Works department is prepping snowplows, materials and equipment; monitoring local, state and regional forecasts; and preparing a response plan. City of Columbia Utilities will have additional crews on standby for the potential of downed power lines.

As winter weather can be unpredictable, residents are encouraged to closely monitor the forecast and changing road conditions throughout the mid-Missouri area. Residents may want to run errands and shop for groceries early to avoid travel during inclement weather.

Updates will be posted on the City's various social media accounts. Information and updates are also available at CoMo.gov.

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

At noon, a crew of 28 City of Columbia Public Works snowplow operators began pretreating roads in preparation for the winter weather. A second crew of 24 operators is scheduled to take over at 7 p.m., with a crew of 33 operators expected to be on duty by 7 a.m. Jan. 5 to manage the storm's impact.

Residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel during active winter weather events. Drivers can further support snow removal efforts by avoiding parking on priority roads, marked with red, white, and blue snow route signs. This helps ensure plows can clear these critical routes efficiently. To receive an alert when snow accumulations have reached 2 inches and parking is no longer allowed on priority routes, register an account at Alerts.CoMo.gov. Options are available for residents to receive alert notifications by text, email or automated phone call.

Residents are also kindly asked not to pass or tailgate plow trucks while they are in operation. If you must travel during an active winter weather event, please drive slowly, keep your headlights on at all times and give plenty of following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

More on Missouriar

• Windsor Brokers Launches 2% Interest on all Trading Accounts
• JAS Canvases Now Available Online
• City of Columbia accepting applications for boards and commissions
• Springfield: Pinnacle on the Park public hearing Jan. 29
• City of Columbia hosts transit job fair, Jan. 25

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

Go COMO bus service will operate normally Saturday, Jan. 4. Evaluations for fixed-route and Paratransit services will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 5, with a decision announced that day regarding operations for Monday, Jan. 6. Riders can stay updated by visiting CoMo.gov and clicking the Winter Storm Information banner or by signing up for Go COMO Transit text alerts at Alerts.CoMo.gov.

Paratransit users should plan ahead, as significant snow accumulation may delay Paratransit operations until Wednesday, Jan. 8. We encourage users to make necessary preparations in advance. In the event of an emergency, please dial 911.

City of Columbia Utilities
Contact: Jason West, [email protected]create new email

City of Columbia Utilities will have additional crews on standby for the potential of downed power lines. The strong winds and weight of snow or ice on power lines and tree limbs could cause sporadic power outages.

City of Columbia Utilities also recognizes the potential for water main breaks because of low temperatures that are forecast. In the case of a water main break occurring, crews are on standby and will work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Customers who come under a precautionary boil advisory will receive a hang tag.

At this time, the Solid Waste Utility expects to run trash and recycling collection routes Monday as scheduled. To help ensure that trash collection and snow removal can take place efficiently, please follow these guidelines on roll cart placement: CoMo.gov/city-source/december-2024/roll-cart-placement-winter-weather.

Columbia Police Department
Contact: [email protected]create new email

Columbia Police urge drivers to use caution during the projected winter weather. Slow down, increase distance between cars, accelerate and decelerate slowly, and wear a seatbelt. Be sure to clear your vehicle's windows of snow and ice before driving.

Residents should also not leave vehicles running while unattended. While you may be trying to warm your vehicle or defrost your windshield, a vehicle left running unattended for even a few minutes is at risk for theft.

More on Missouriar

• K9 Technology President Files a Lawsuit Against Google LLC
• St. Louis: Mayor Jones Releases "State of Public Safety 2025" Report Highlighting Successes and Continued Crime Reduction Efforts
• RE1 Advisor Announces the Hiring of Brenda Schuyler
• Springfield: Historic City Hall rehabilitation to move into construction phase in February
• Uriel Medrano Joins RE1 Advisor as Property Manager/Realtor

Columbia Fire Department
Contact: [email protected]create new email

If your facility has a wet pipe fire sprinkler system, make sure that it is in a heated area, maintaining a minimum temperature of 40 degrees fahrenheit or higher. Doing so prevents frozen pipes.

For facilities with dry pipe sprinkler systems, regularly inspect and drain all low point drains to prevent freeze-ups.

Residents are encouraged to inspect their heaters and ensure they are in optimal working conditions, as well as confirm that their riser rooms are properly heated to prevent freezes. Residents should also seal off any drafts from the exterior of their buildings, and any areas susceptible to cold drafts.

If you need the Fire Department dispatched to your location, please call 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.

Columbia Regional Airport
Contact: Mike Parks, [email protected]create new email

Air travel may be impacted across the country due to winter storms. Passengers flying through Columbia Regional Airport (COU) can check their flight status at FlyCOU.com. Flight information is provided by the airlines and updated every 15 minutes. Also, remember to allow for extra time driving to the airport as local roads may also be impacted by the weather.

Public Health
Contact: Sara Humm, [email protected]create new email or 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.

Neighborhood Services
Contact: Leigh Kottwitz, [email protected]create new email

Residents are reminded to remove snow from sidewalks adjacent to the property they own or rent. Sidewalks are used by residents to get to school, work and shopping. The City appreciates the effort to keep our sidewalks accessible.

City of Columbia Office of Sustainability
Contact: Michael J. Heimos, [email protected]create new email

The City of Columbia Office of Sustainability would like to remind residents of several tips when using salt. For best results, salt should be applied to cleared surfaces. Additionally, more salt does not mean more melting. It is recommended to use less than 4 pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet.

Following a winter weather event, residents are encouraged to sweep up any extra salt that is visible on dry pavement in order to avoid that salt being washed into local streams through a storm drain or ditch system.

---

Show All News | Report Violation