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(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - As winter weather continues to impact the city, the City of Columbia is taking necessary measures to monitor and respond to the conditions. The latest updates can be found on the City's social media accounts and CoMo.gov.

The City of Columbia Public Works department has been working diligently since 7 a.m. with a crew of 30 snowplow operators, supported by additional workers from City Utilities and Parks and Recreation. Priority roads have been maintained to near-normal conditions and crews have now shifted their focus to plowing neighborhood streets.

To ensure that roads remain safe for residents, 16 crew members will continue plowing neighborhood roads overnight while another group will be responsible for hauling snow from the downtown area. Unlike residential streets where snow can be pushed to the side, downtown Columbia lacks space for snow storage, requiring it to be loaded onto dump trucks and transported to designated removal sites.

Priority roads are now showing bare pavement in many areas thanks to sunlight breaking up the snowpack. However, with overnight temperatures expected to drop as low as 5 degrees, there is a risk of refreezing which could create slippery conditions. Drivers are advised to exercise caution by reducing speeds, increasing stopping distances, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, and maintaining safe following distances.

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In an effort to keep residents informed about parking restrictions and updates on snow routes, a text alert will be sent out this afternoon. The community's cooperation has greatly helped in making plowing more effective. To receive alerts about parking restrictions and updates on snow routes, residents can sign up at Alerts.CoMo.gov. Notifications are available via text, email or automated phone call.

Despite the winter weather conditions, the regularly scheduled City Council meeting will proceed at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. The pre-Council meeting will also take place at 5 p.m. in conference rooms 1A/1B.

Go COMO Transit is expected to operate as normal on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Paratransit service will also be running as scheduled, with staff contacting customers directly if their home cannot be reached.

Trash collection for this week will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and continue as normally scheduled for the remainder of the week. For customers with Monday collections, please place your roll cart out for collection on Saturday, Jan. 11. Recycling collection for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday remains canceled. Customers with Thursday and Friday recycle collections may also place their recycling bags with their roll carts. Monday's collection on Saturday, Jan. 11 will be trash only and not include recycling.

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

In terms of public health, several warming centers and shelters will remain open regardless of weather conditions. However, it is recommended to check with the location before going due to changing conditions.

Animal Control will only respond to extreme emergencies at this time such as a vicious dog running loose or a gravely injured animal. Reports can be made by calling 573-449-1888 but response times may be delayed depending on road conditions. Residents are encouraged to bring their pets inside during extreme weather.

Due to hazardous traveling conditions, the Columbia Police Department has implemented a delayed crash report protocol and will only respond to crashes involving serious injuries or criminal elements. Non-emergency accidents can be reported by calling 311 or online at the City's website.

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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