Columbia warns residents to be ready for winter storm; Parson signs executive order

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is warning residents to be ready for power outages and water main breaks when a winter storm rolls in this week.

The ABC17 Stormtrack Weather Team is tracking cold temperatures and a possible snow storm this week.

The Public Works department is prepping snowplows, materials and equipment; monitoring local, state and regional forecasts; and preparing a response plan. City Utilities will have additional crews on standby for the potential of downed power lines. The strong winds and weight of snow and ice on power lines and tree limbs could cause sporadic power outages. 

City Utilities is also preparing for the potential of water main breaks because of extreme 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.

Impacts to emergency winter warming centers, shelters

Room at the Inn, 1509 Ashley St., will open at 1 p.m. due to the anticipated extreme cold weather. The shelter will be through 9 a.m. Monday.

The warming center Turning Point, at Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church, 702 Wilkes Blvd., will be closed Saturday and Sunday. The daytime drop-in center at Turning Point will also be closed.

The overnight warming center at Turning Point will open Dec. 26 if temperatures are forecasted at or below 25 degrees. 

Due to offices being closed in observance of the holiday, the only daytime warming centers that will be open during normal business hours Dec. 26 will be the City of Columbia Activity and Recreation Center (ARC), 1701 W. Ash St., and Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N. Ann St.

Parson signs executive order

Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday signed Executive Order 22-09 as a precautionary measure to prepare for the storm. The order activates the Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan and the Missouri National Guard for state and local response efforts.