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

(COLUMBIA, MO)- The National Weather Service reports a winter weather advisory will remain in effect until noon Wednesday, Jan. 25, with additional snow accumulations of up to one inch.

City officials will utilize all available resources in responding to the winter weather and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community members.

Updates will continue to be posted to CoMo.gov, as well as the City's various social media accounts.

Public Works
Contact: John Ogan, [email protected]

create new emailPublic Works snowplow crews completed a 12-hour overnight shift at 7 a.m. this morning. Pavement temperatures remain above freezing, and significant road issues are not expected. Street crews are on duty and are able to respond as needed throughout the day.

Although the roads may appear to be clear, spotty slick conditions can occur, especially on elevated surfaces. Motorists are encouraged to keep their speeds low to prevent slide-offs, which are still a possibility in wet conditions.

Temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees at 7 p.m. Wednesday and are not expected to rise above freezing until Friday. Public Works crews will be observing moisture levels on roadways during this period to monitor for drying and a potential refreeze.

Utilities
Contact: Sydney Olsen, [email protected]

create new emailCity of Columbia Utilities will have additional crews on standby for the potential of downed power lines. The weight of snow and 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.

PHHS
Contact: Ryan Sheehan, [email protected]create new email

The City of Columbia partners with several emergency shelter providers in the community to provide a warm place for individuals to stay out of the cold.

Columbia's shelters include:

• Flourish (for teens), please call 573.615.6135
• Room at the Inn, 1509 Ashley St. (573) 825-6038
• Salvation Army Harbor House (men, women and families), 602 N. Ann St.
• Rainbow House (for children/youth), 1611 Towne Dr.
• True North (for domestic violence), please call 573.875.1370
• Welcome Home (for veterans), 2120 Business Loop 70 E.
• St. Francis House (for men), 901 Range Line St. - must be vaccinated for COVID-19 to stay overnight

Shelters provide sleeping accommodations and may or may not include meals. Shelter availability may vary. Specific questions about the shelters should be directed to the applicable provider.

Warming Centers

The City of Columbia contracts with Turning Point to provide temporary overnight warming center services at Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church, 702 Wilkes Blvd. The temporary overnight warming center at this location will open only in the event of a National Weather Service forecast for temperatures 25 degrees Fahrenheit or below between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. of a given night.

The temporary overnight warming center will serve as a refuge of last resort for persons unwilling or unable to access local emergency shelter services. Turning Point staff will continue to coordinate closely with homeless service providers to ensure low barrier access to overnight emergency shelter as the preferred option for persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services also coordinates a network of warming and cooling centers in the community. As the temperature begins to drop, the public is reminded of several locations in Columbia available to those who need shelter from the cold.

Columbia's warming centers include:

• ARC (Activity and Recreation Center), 1701 W. Ash St.
• City Hall, 701 East Broadway
• Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.
• Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway
• Salvation Army, 1108 W. Ash St.
• Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N. Ann St.
• St. Francis House, 901 Range Line St.

Warming centers are available to the general public during the building's normal business hours. The public is allowed access to public areas, such as lobbies, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc.

Specific questions about each warming center should be directed to the facility.

Additional information about warming centers can be found at CoMo.gov/Health/Public-Health-Safety/Warming-and-Cooling-Centers.

Columbia Police Department
Contact: Christian Tabak, [email protected]

create new emailThe Columbia Police Department is continuing to respond to calls as usual and asks that you help keep emergency lines clear by reporting non-injury crashes via 311.

The Department urges drivers to use caution while on the road. Slow down, increase distance between cars, accelerate and decelerate slowly, and wear a seatbelt. Be sure to clear your vehicle's windows of any 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.

Location:701 E. Broadway

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.