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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">December 22, 2022</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Sydney Olsen
<br />Public Information Officer
<br />City Manager's Office
<br />City of Columbia
<br />573.874.7438
<br />Sydney.Olsen@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">City of Columbia winter storm update, Thursday, Dec. 22 at 3:30 p.m.</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <strong>Cancellations/Postponements:</strong><br /><br />Stephens Lake Park COVID-19 updated/bivalent booster and flu vaccine clinic (Dec. 22), rescheduled for Dec. 29.<br /><br /><br /><strong>City of Columbia Public Works</strong><br /><em><strong>Contact: John Ogan, John.Ogan@CoMo.gov</strong></em><br /><br />A crew of 30 Public Works snowplow operators have been on duty since 5 a.m. and will continue to plow priority routes until 7 p.m. Public Works plans to assemble a full crew of 30 workers Friday at 7 a.m. in order to continue plowing priority routes and address any other remaining trouble spots. <br /><br />All priority roads are reported to be in passable condition. A passable road is defined as one that can be traveled by a front-wheel drive vehicle operating at speeds well below posted speed limits using prudent winter weather driving techniques. A road can be snow-covered and still
be considered passable. Snow-covered roads are expected to persist throughout the remainder of the cold temperatures. The extreme cold represents the primary challenge crews face, due to the fact that treatments such as road salt become ineffective at temperatures below 15 degrees.<br /><br />Although the snow has stopped falling, high winds can blow fallen snow back into the air, severely reducing visibility and covering roadways that have previously been plowed. Residents are encouraged to continue to avoid non-essential travel, drive at speeds well below the speed limit, keep their headlights on and refrain from tailgating others. Please be aware that spotty, slick conditions can potentially be found on any roadway.<br /><br />Motorists are cautioned to drive especially carefully this evening and weekend on heavily-trafficked roads that show visible pavement. Encroaching water on the surface of these types of roadways can quickly refreeze and cause dangerously slick condi
tions, especially after sunset.<br /><br />Public Works appreciates those residents who have stayed home and who have parked their vehicles off of roadways during this winter weather event. Your cooperation allows plow drivers the space to do their work more efficiently and quickly for the benefit of everyone.<br /><br /><br /><strong>City of Columbia Utilities</strong><br /><em><strong>Contact: Brandon Renaud, Brandon.Renaud@CoMo.gov</strong></em><br /><br />In the interest of safety for personnel during the forecast extremely cold temperatures, the City of Columbia Solid Waste Utility will suspend curbside collections and non-essential commercial collections of trash and recycling Friday, Dec. 23.<br /><br />Solid Waste crews will collect trash for these routes Friday, Dec. 30. Recycling collection will remain on the alternating weekly schedule. Customers with scheduled bulky item and appliance pickup will be contacted to reschedule. <br /><br />City of Columbia Utilities w
ill have additional crews on standby for the potential of downed power lines. The strong winds and weight of snow and ice on power lines and tree limbs could cause sporadic power outages. <br /><br />City of Columbia Utilities also recognizes the potential for water main breaks because of extreme 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.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Columbia Police Department</strong><br /><em><strong>Contact: Christian Tabak, PolicePIO@CoMo.gov</strong></em><br /><br />Columbia Police headquarters will be open Friday, Dec. 23, and officers will continue to respond to calls as usual.<br /><br />Since 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, officers have responded to approximately seven reported vehicle collisions and eight reported stalled vehicles throughout Columbia. The Dep
artment asks that you help keep emergency lines clear by reporting non-injury crashes via 311. <br /><br />The Department continues to urge drivers to use extreme caution if travel is necessary. 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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Convention and Visitors Bureau</strong><br /><em><strong>Contact: Zach Waller, Zachary.Waller@CoMo.gov </strong></em><br /><br />The Walton Building, 300 S. Providence Road, which houses the Conventions and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Chamber of Commerce will be closed to the public beginning at noon on Dec. 22. The CVB will operate at regular
hours Friday, Dec. 23.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Columbia Regional Airport </strong><br /><em><strong>Contact: Mike Parks, Michael.Parks@CoMo.gov</strong></em><br /><br />Air travel is being impacted across the country due to winter weather. Passengers flying through Columbia Regional Airport (COU) can check their flight status at <a href="https://www.flycou.com/">FlyCOU.com</a>. 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.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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