WINTER STORM UPDATES: Columbia reminds drivers to move cars from priority streets
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The City of Columbia in a news release reminded drivers Wednesday morning to move their vehicles parked along designated priority routes to avoid getting towed.
The release says the city sent a notice to drivers via text to people signed up for the city's alert system at 6 p.m. Tuesday to move vehicles as snow piled up. The city tows vehicles along priority roads when snow reaches 2 inches.
A 25-person snow-clearing crew began work at 7 a.m. and will work into the evening.
"As of this morning, first priority roads generally have bare pavement in wheel paths, though some areas remain snowpacked," the release states. "Second priority roads have mostly packed snow with some exposed pavement, while third priority roads have a thinner layer of packed snow. Road conditions remain passable, but drivers should expect slick areas. With pavement temperatures expected to rise slightly, crews anticipate that some snowpack may begin loosening on priority roads later today."
The high for Columbia is forecast to only reach the low teens, with lows overnight in the single digits. Lows on Friday and Saturday mornings are expected to dip below 0 degrees.
State highways in Mid-Missouri remained covered except for Interstate 70, which the Missouri Department of Transportation labels partially covered.
Jefferson City Public Works Director Britt Smith told ABC 17 News during a live interview that all roads were covered with packed snow but could be driven on.
"It will probably be a few days before we're able to get rid of this," Smith said.
Snow blankets roads as temperatures plummet
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri Department of Transportation reported most state highways in Mid-Missouri were covered in snow Wednesday morning.
The winter storm that covered the roads led to the closure of dozens of schools around the area. The National Weather Service reported snowfall totals of 4 inches in Columbia, Ashland and Fulton, with a report of 8 inches at Osage Beach at the Lake of the Ozarks.
The snow remained on roads with bitter cold. Columbia's low bottomed out around 0 degrees Wednesday morning, with wind chills making it feel like about minus-15 degrees. The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team forecasts the extreme cold to stay around for the work week before a warmup begins this weekend.
MoDOT reported highways from Boone County south as covered in snow, except for Interstate 70, which was reported as partially covered.
Flights leaving Columbia Regional Airport for Dallas and Chicago were canceled Wednesday morning.
