[Press Release] : Winter Weather and Shelter Advisory

[Press Releases]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Zim Schwartze, Public Safety Joint Communications Director - 
(573) 874-7400 

Winter Weather and Shelter Advisory

COLUMBIA, MO (January 5, 2010) - With bitterly cold temperatures and
significant snowfall expected in the area this week, the Columbia/Boone
County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) asks all residents to
practice extreme caution.

"In addition to considerable amounts of snow, we are likely to
experience 
temperatures that are not only uncomfortable, but life-threatening,”
said OEM Director Zim Schwartze. "Drivers should use extreme caution
when traveling Wednesday afternoon and evening, when the heaviest
snowfall is expected to occur.”

Schwartze said that several local organizations are preparing for the
extreme weather. The Salvation Army Harbor House, 603 N. Ann Street,
continues to shelter those in need. They have received additional cots
and blankets from the American Red Cross Mid-Missouri Chapter and the
Veterans Administration. 
The Missouri United Methodist Church, 9th and Elm Street, in
cooperation with other downtown churches, has graciously agreed to
provide overnight shelter. The American Red Cross has supplied the
church with cots and blankets to help them keep citizens warm during
this dangerous weather.

“Temperatures are expected to drop into the single digits and below
zero, leaving those exposed to the cold prone to hypothermia and
frostbite,” Schwartze said. “We advise residents to stay at home and
out of the dangers of the snow and cold.”

The National Weather Service is predicting that a potent winter storm 
system could dump as much as 2-5 inches of snow by Thursday morning,
leaving high winds and single-digit temperatures in its wake. The snow
and cold will be accompanied by windy conditions on Thursday, resulting
in blowing and drifting snow and wind chill readings well below zero
through the weekend. 

- 30 -
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