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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;">February 18, 2025</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, Feb. 18, 8:30 a.m.</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory through 6 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, with additional snow accumulations between 1 and 5 inches. These conditions could impact commutes throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. <br /><br />The NWS has also issued a cold weather alert through noon with wind chills as low as 20 degrees below 0. The NWS warns that these conditions could result in hypothermia or frostbite in as little as 30 minutes if precautions are not taken.<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 href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/CoMo.gov">CoMo.gov</a>.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Public Works</strong><br /><strong>Cont
act: <em>John Ogan, <a href="mailto:John.Ogan@CoMo.gov">John.Ogan@CoMo.gov</a></em></strong><br /><br />A crew of 25 snowplow operators began their shift at 7 p.m. Feb. 17, handing off operations to another 25-person crew at 7 a.m. Feb. 18. Crews will continue focusing on plowing priority roads to keep them as safe and passable as possible.<br /><br />To help with snow removal, drivers are strongly encouraged to avoid parking on priority roads. These roads are marked with red, white and blue signs and can also be identified using the Street and Snow Route Priority Viewer map at <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/CoMoSnow.com">CoMoSnow.com</a>.<br /><br />Non-essential travel is strongly discouraged. Gusty winds will create blowing and drifting snow, potentially reducing visibility. If you must travel, please observe the following safety tips:<br />
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<li>Slow down and allow extra stopping distance, especially on bridges and overpasses.</li>
<li>Use headlights in low visibility. Keep them turned on, even during the day.</li>
<li>Give plows plenty of space and stay at least 100 feet behind snow removal equipment. If you must pass snowplows, do so with extreme caution and never do so on the right.</li>
<li>Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle. This includes windows, mirrors, headlights and taillights for maximum visibility.</li>
<li>Check your tires. Proper treads and inflation improve traction on slick roads.</li>
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Public Works crews will continue monitoring conditions and treating roads as needed. We want to thank drivers for taking sensible precautions to keep everyone safe.<br /><br /><strong>Go COMO Transit</strong><br /><strong>Contact: <em>John Ogan, <a href="mailto:John.Ogan@CoMo.gov">John.Ogan@CoMo.gov</a></em></strong><br /><br />Go COMO fixed-route bus service started normally Tuesday, Feb. 18. Riders are encouraged to use the ETA SPOT app to track the real-time location of their bus and receive service updates. Notifications regarding delays will also be shared through the <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/Alerts.CoMo.gov">Alerts.CoMo.gov</a> system, available via text, email or voice call.<br /><br />Paratransit services will continue to operate on a case-by-case basis. Customers will be contacted directly if there are issues accessing their homes. Paratransit riders should exercise caution when traveling to bus stops or pickup points, as paths may be icy or sn
ow-covered.<br /><br /><strong>Utilities</strong><br /><strong>Contact: <em>Jason West, <a href="mailto:Jason.West@CoMo.gov">Jason.West@CoMo.gov</a></em></strong><br /><br />Tuesday residential curbside refuse collection began this morning as scheduled, but the team will continue monitoring the weather throughout the day. If your refuse does not get picked up as scheduled, please leave your cart curbside and let us know by reporting it to the Contact Center at 573.874.CITY (2489) or online at CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue.<br /><br />Curbside recycling collection has been canceled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week due to the frigid temperatures forecast for those days.<br /><br />To help ensure efficient trash collection and snow removal, please follow these guidelines on roll cart placement: <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/CoMo.gov/city-source/december-2024/roll-cart-placement-winter-weather">CoMo.gov/city-source/december-2024/roll
-cart-placement-winter-weather</a>.<br /><br />If your refuse or recycling did not get picked up as scheduled, please leave your cart curbside and let us know by reporting it to the Contact Center at 573.874.CITY (2489) or online at <a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue">CoMo.gov/city-managers-office/report-an-issue</a>.</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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