City of Columbia, MO
01/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/25/2026 08:33
City of Columbia winter weather update, Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m.
P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2026
CONTACT: Sydney Olsen
Engagement and Public Communications Manager
City Manager's Office
City of Columbia
573.874.7438
[email protected]
City of Columbia winter weather update, Jan. 25, 8:30 a.m.
(COLUMBIA, MO)- The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning in effect until 6 p.m. The NWS warns that rapid accumulation of snow may make it extremely difficult to travel.
A cold weather advisory will also be in effect from midnight to noon on Monday, Jan. 26. Very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below are expected, and actual temperatures may reach 5 to 10 degrees below zero.
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.
Public Works
A 28-person City of Columbia Public Works snowplow crew reported for duty at 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Crews will maintain continuous operations using 12-hour shifts until the winter weather event ends.
Crews will continue focusing on first and second priority routes. Parking is prohibited on these snow routes.
Crews expect to begin plowing third priority roadways later Sunday. Residential streets may be plowed overnight; however, it could be Monday before crews are able to reach them. For this event, residential plowing will begin in outlying areas of Columbia and progress toward the city center. This approach alternates from one winter weather event to the next.
When crews begin plowing residential areas, the Snow Clearing Progress Viewer at CoMoSnow.com will be activated. This interactive map shows which sections of Columbia have been plowed, where plows are currently operating and which areas have not yet been plowed.
Unnecessary travel is not advised during this or any active winter weather event.
Utilities
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.
MISO, the Midwest energy grid operator, continues to report high demand. All generation sources for the City of Columbia continue running, generating all of the City's load.
While the regional electric grid remains stable, it remains under strain. Please help by cutting back where you can, while concentrating on staying warm.
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.
Sustainability
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.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
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.
Public Health
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.
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.
Police
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.
If you are involved in a non-emergency accident, please call 311 or report online.
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.
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.
A cold weather advisory will also be in effect from midnight to noon on Monday, Jan. 26. Very cold wind chills as low as 15 to 20 below are expected, and actual temperatures may reach 5 to 10 degrees below zero.
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.
Public Works
- Contact: John Ogan, [email protected]
A 28-person City of Columbia Public Works snowplow crew reported for duty at 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25. Crews will maintain continuous operations using 12-hour shifts until the winter weather event ends.
Crews will continue focusing on first and second priority routes. Parking is prohibited on these snow routes.
Crews expect to begin plowing third priority roadways later Sunday. Residential streets may be plowed overnight; however, it could be Monday before crews are able to reach them. For this event, residential plowing will begin in outlying areas of Columbia and progress toward the city center. This approach alternates from one winter weather event to the next.
When crews begin plowing residential areas, the Snow Clearing Progress Viewer at CoMoSnow.com will be activated. This interactive map shows which sections of Columbia have been plowed, where plows are currently operating and which areas have not yet been plowed.
Unnecessary travel is not advised during this or any active winter weather event.
Utilities
- Contact: Jason West, [email protected]
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.
MISO, the Midwest energy grid operator, continues to report high demand. All generation sources for the City of Columbia continue running, generating all of the City's load.
While the regional electric grid remains stable, it remains under strain. Please help by cutting back where you can, while concentrating on staying warm.
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.
Sustainability
- Contact: Mike Heimos, [email protected]
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.
Sidewalk Snow Removal
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.
Public Health
- Contact: Austin Krohn, [email protected]
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.
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.
Police
- Contact: Brian McNeill, [email protected]
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.
If you are involved in a non-emergency accident, please call 311 or report online.
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.
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.
City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.
City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.
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City of Columbia, MO published this content on January 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 25, 2026 at 14:33 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]