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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;">January 8, 2024</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Sydney Olsen
<br />Engagement and Public Communications Manager
<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 monitoring winter weather beginning Jan. 8</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The City of Columbia is monitoring and preparing to respond to winter weather that could impact the mid-Missouri area beginning Monday, Jan. 8. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory beginning Monday, Jan. 8, through midnight Tuesday. Snow is expected with accumulations up to 2 inches. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Updates will be posted on the City's various social media accounts. Information and updates are also available at </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.como.gov/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CoMo.gov</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.<br /><br /><br /></span><strong>Public Works<br /></strong><strong><em>Contact: John Ogan, </em></strong><strong><em><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="mailto:John.Ogan@CoMo.gov">John.Ogan@CoMo.gov</a><br /><br /></em></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">Public Works staff are currently monitoring conditions for the arrival of winter weather. Snowplow crews are expected to report for overnight duty beginning at 7 p.m. Monday. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Snow may be heavy at times Monday night through Tuesday morning. Once accumulating snow begins to
form, snowplow crews will be primarily focused on plowing and treating first and second priority roads. Priority roads, also known as snow routes, are the main arterial and collector routes across the City necessary for public safety. They include bus routes and streets which connect to schools, hospitals and other critical areas.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Residents can assist crews by avoiding unnecessary travel and by refraining from parking on priority roads. To receive an alert when snow accumulations reach 2 inches and parking is no longer allowed on priority routes, register an account at </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=COMOALERT"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Alerts.CoMo.gov</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Options are available for residents to receive alert notifications by text, email or automated phone call. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Res
idents 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.<br /><br /></span><strong>Utilities<br /></strong><strong>Contact: Matt Nestor, <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="mailto:Mattew.Nestor@CoMo.gov">Mattew.Nestor@CoMo.gov</a><br /><br /></strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">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. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">At this time, the Solid Waste Utility expects to run trash collection routes on Tuesday as scheduled.</span></p></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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