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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 12, 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 winter weather update Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m.</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory that continues to impact mid-Missouri Jan. 12. Light snow is expected with temperatures forecast in the single digits overnight. <br /><br />A wind advisory will be in effect beginning at noon with winds 20 to 30 mph and wind gusts up to 50 mph. <br /><br />Additionally, a wind chill warning will be in effect starting at midnight on Saturday with dangerously cold wind chills expected at 25 degrees or below. The dangerously cold wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. <br /><br />As a reminder, the City has warming centers and shelters available. Warming centers are available to the general public during normal business hours. The public is allowed access to public areas, such as lobbies, restrooms, drinking fountains, etc. Official Shelters provide sleeping accommodations and may o
r may not include meals. More information can be found at <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.como.gov/health/public-health-safety/warming-and-cooling-centers/">CoMo.gov/health/public-health-safety/warming-and-cooling-centers/</a>.<br /><br />As winter weather can be unpredictable, residents are encouraged to closely monitor the forecast and changing road conditions throughout the mid-Missouri area. Updates will be posted on the City's various social media accounts. Information and updates are also available at <a style="white-space:nowrap" href="https://www.como.gov/">CoMo.gov</a>.<br /><br />Drivers are urged to use caution during the projected winter weather. 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 /><br /><strong>Public Works</strong><br /><strong>Contact: John Ogan, John.Ogan@CoMo.gov</strong><br /><br />A 27-person
City of Columbia Public Works snowplow crew is in place Friday, ready to respond to conditions as needed. Overnight, moderate rain intensity allowed crews to pre-treat all first, second and third priority routes. Forecasts have lowered and staff now anticipate 1 inch of snow or less.<br /><br />As temperatures drop below 32 degrees, there is a chance for any water still on roadways to quickly become ice, with some flash freezing of wet surfaces expected mid-morning. Please remember that elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses may have a tendency to freeze first. Drivers, remember to slow down and leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Utilities</strong><br /><strong>Contact: Matt Nestor, Matthew.Nestor@CoMo.gov</strong><br /><br />City of Columbia Utilities will have additional crews on standby for the potential of downed power lines. The strong winds and the weight of snow or ice on power lines and tree limbs c
ould cause sporadic power outages. <br /><br />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 /><br /><strong>Housing and Neighborhood Services</strong><br /><strong>Contact: Leigh Kottwitz, Leigh.Kottwitz@CoMo.gov</strong><br /><br />Residents are reminded to remove snow from sidewalks adjacent to the property they own or rent. Sidewalks are used by residents to get to school, work and shopping. The City appreciates the effort to keep our sidewalks accessible.<br /><br />For best results, apply salt to cleared surfaces. The salt crystals should not overlap but be spread out a few inches apart.</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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