<div style="margin-top: 20px;"><img src="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/citylogo-cm.png" alt="City of Columbia Missouri City Manager's Office" width="175" height="101" style="margin-right: 5px;">
<div style="float: right; margin-right: 0px; margin-left:20px; width:106px; height: 116px;"></div>
<div style="padding-top:40px;
text-align:center;">
<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both; text-align:center; padding-top: 20px;">
<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">January 24, 2026</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>
</div>
<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. 24, 8 p.m.</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Heavy snow is expected with additional accumulations between 7 and 10 inches. The NWS warns that rapid accumulation of snow may make it extremely difficult to travel.<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 on the City’s website.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Public Works</strong><br /><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Contact:</strong> John Ogan, John.Ogan@CoMo.gov</li>
</ul>
<br />A 26-person City of Columbia Public Works snowplow crew reported for duty at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24. Crews will maintain continuous operations using 12-hour shifts until the winter weather event ends.<br /><br />Crews will continue to focus on first and second priority routes, which include major arterial streets, emergency routes and roads serving critical facilities. When snow accumulation reaches 2 inches or more, parking is prohibited on these snow routes. <br /><br />Drivers are asked to move vehicles from first and second priority streets this evening with the expectation that 2 inches of accumulated snow will soon be reached. Vehicles parked on snow routes may be ticketed or towed. <br /><br />Parking will continue to be allowed on third-priority roads throughout the event. However, if residents are able, please park vehicles off streets and on driveways where possible. Residents can check snow route locations at <a href="https://www.como.gov/public-w
orks/street-division/comosnow/">CoMoSnow.com</a> and sign up for text alerts regarding snow route parking restrictions at <a href="https://www.smart911.com/smart911/ref/reg.action?pa=COMOALERT">Alerts.CoMo.gov</a>.<br /><br />Unnecessary travel is not advised during this or any active winter weather event. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and give snowplow crews the space they need to operate safely and efficiently.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Utilities</strong><br /><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Contact:</strong> Jason West, Jason.West@CoMo.gov</li>
</ul>
<br />Due to the frigid temperatures in the current forecast, Solid Waste has canceled all recycling collection for Monday, Jan. 26. At this time, collection will remain on schedule beginning with Tuesday, Jan. 27.<br /><br />MISO, the Midwest energy grid operator, continues to report high demand. Currently, all generation sources for the City of Columbia continue running. While the regional electric grid remains stable, it is under strain. Please help by cutting back where you can, while concentrating on staying warm. <br /><br />Examples of activities that can help while still keeping the heat on at home are: pausing the dryer, turning off extra lights and unplugging devices that are fully charged. Businesses can also help by reducing non-essential lighting and reducing large electric loads. Every little bit helps prevent outages.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sustainability</strong><br /><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Contact:</strong> Mike Heimos, Michael.Heimos@CoMo.gov</li>
</ul>
<br />Be salt smart this winter. Shovel first, use salt only when temperatures are above 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and apply sparingly to cleared surfaces. Sweep up excess salt to protect local waterways, and remember that some de-icers can irritate pets' paws-rinse their feet after walks. Small actions make a big difference for safety, our environment and our community.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Sidewalk Snow Removal</strong><br /><br />Residents are reminded that the City ordinance requires those who own or occupy property to keep sidewalks in front of, or adjacent to, their property free from snow and ice. Thanks for keeping our community safe and accessible for all.<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Public Health</strong><br /><br />Contact: Austin Krohn, Austin.Krohn@CoMo.gov<br /><br /><br />Several warming centers and shelters are planning to be open regardless of weather conditions. Due to changing conditions, it is recommended to check with the location before going.
Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church will host an overnight warming center from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Jan. 23 through Jan. 25. The overnight warming center serves as a refuge of last resort. As capacity allows, persons who are eligible for overnight shelter at Room at the Inn and/or Salvation Army Harbor House will be directed to those resources.<br /><br />Animal Control will only respond to extreme emergencies during this weather event, such as a vicious dog running loose, a gravely injured animal or a bat inside a home. Reports can be made by calling 573.449.1888. Response times may be delayed depending on road conditions. Residents are encouraged to bring pets inside during extreme weather.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Police</strong><br /><br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Contact:</strong> Brian McNeill, Brian.McNeill@CoMo.gov</li>
</ul>
<br />If the weather requires it, the Columbia Police Department will go into Delayed Accident Reporting. This means that due to hazardous traveling conditions, the Columbia Police have implemented the delayed crash report protocol and will only be responding to crashes involving serious injuries or criminal elements.<br /><br />If you are involved in a non-emergency accident, please call 311 or report online.<br /><br />As the hazardous weather continues, we ask that you slow down, increase distance between cars, accelerate and decelerate slowly, wear a seatbelt and take all other precautions to keep yourself and others safe.<br /><br />All vehicles that have been responded to as part of a delayed crash report will be marked with crime scene tape and towed when weather conditions improve.</div>
<br />
<div class="content"></div>
<br />
<div class="attachments">
This release has the following attachments:</div>
</div>
<div id="footerline">
<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>
</div>
<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
</div>
<style>
#pressrelease{ margin:20px; margin-top: 0px;}
.attachments{margin-top: -10px;}
@media print {
body {font-size: 90%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;}
#pressrelease{ margin: 0px; }
}
</style><p>______________________________________________________</p>
<p>You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of Columbia's Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.</p>
<p>______________________________________________________</p>
<p>Archived press releases can be viewed online at:
https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/directory.php</p>
<p>______________________________________________________</p>
<p>If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided at https://www.como.gov/Web_Mail/ </p><style>div{margin: 10px;}</style>