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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 23, 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, Friday, Dec. 23 at 3:30 p.m.</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - The National Weather Service calls for very cold temperatures and strong winds which will result in dangerously cold wind chill values over the weekend. Snow is forecast across portions of the area Sunday night into Monday morning with light accumulations. The City of Columbia will continue to monitor weather conditions over the weekend and respond accordingly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents.<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 30-person City of Columbia Public Works crew has continued to plow and treat priority roads throughout the day. Plow crews will end their continuous winter weather response operations effective Friday at 3:30 p.m. Many City roads will remain covered with snow due to persisting low temperatures, which can prevent road salt from having a significant im
pact on snow and ice.<br /><br />All priority roads have been reported to be in passable condition. As a reminder, a passable road is 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 snow-covered road can still be considered passable.<br /><br />Although roads are considered passable, motorists should be especially mindful when passing through intersections. Be sure to provide extra stopping distance and give extra space to the vehicle in front of you when stopping at stop signs and traffic signals. <br /><br />On Saturday, a forecasted high temperature of 20 degrees combined with ample sunshine may begin to activate road salt and break up the snowpack to an extent. As this occurs, the snow will slush up, creating spotty, slick conditions on roadways. Motorists are reminded to reduce their speed and refrain from tailgating others. Out of concern for motorists&rsqu
o; safety, Public Works asks that drivers limit non-essential travel during this period of extreme cold.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Columbia Police Department</strong><br /><em><strong>Contact: Christian Tabak, PolicePIO@CoMo.gov</strong></em><br /><br />The Department urges drivers to use caution, even as road conditions continue to improve over the holiday weekend. 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 />Since 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, officers have responded to approximately 25 reported vehicle collisions and 17 reported stalled vehicles throughout Columbia. The Department asks that you continue to help keep emergency lines clear by reporting non-injury crashes via 311. <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>Columbia Fire Department</strong><br /><em><strong>Contact: Clayton Farr Jr., FirePIO@CoMo.gov</strong></em><br /><br />The Columbia Fire Department urges our citizens to remain alert for potential slick spots on area roadways due to the lingering effects of the recent snow event.<br /><br />Since 6 a.m. Thursday, December 22, Columbia Fire crews have responded to five vehicle collisions, three cold exposure incidents, three carbon monoxide-related incidents and two incidents involving freezing conditions affecting commercial fire suppression systems.<br /><br />As we continue to navigate extreme cold conditions, the Columbia Fire Department reminds our residents to ensure their homes are fully prepared. Attempt to reduce any drafts from windows and doors and limit opening and closing doors to conserve heat. <br /><br />In the City of Columbia, we are fortu
nate to have a sizeable amount of our utility infrastructure below ground; however, in the event of a power interruption or loss of a primary heat source, we ask our residents to exercise caution with the use of auxiliary heat sources, such as space heaters, and ensure they are equipped with tilt safety devices and keep heaters at least 3 feet away from any combustible items, such as furniture, draperies and clothing. If an auxiliary generator is considered for temporary electrical power, please ensure the generator has been installed properly and is equipped with an automatic transfer switch. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for use and at no time should a generator be placed close to doors or windows or inside a structure.</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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