Sunday Forecast: Snowfall Ends, but Extreme Cold Persists
As last weekend’s snowfall subsides, the region faces ongoing extreme cold. The First Alert Weather Team has declared Sunday and Monday as critical weather days. Mid-Missouri communities are under cold weather advisories and extreme cold warnings, leading to multiple closures.
Campus and Community Closures
Starting Monday, several educational institutions and community events have been canceled:
- The University of Missouri will operate remotely, and in-person classes are replaced with Zoom sessions.
- Columbia College and St. Peter Catholic School canceled their Monday classes.
- Stephens College campus offices will also close, with staff working from home.
- The City Council candidate forum and United States Exercise Tiger Foundation programs are both canceled for Monday.
School Closures
Numerous school districts will not hold classes on Monday:
- Columbia Public Schools
- Jefferson City School District, adopting an Alternate Methods of Instruction (AMI) day
- Southern Boone School District, Centralia R-VI, and Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School have also announced closures.
Impact on Transportation and Services
The cold weather has affected transportation services:
- Columbia’s Go COMO Paratransit service is suspended, and all scheduled paratransit trips are canceled for Monday due to unsafe road conditions.
- Fixed-route bus services will continue operating, but delays are expected.
- Recycling collections are canceled for Monday, resuming on Tuesday.
Fort Leonard Wood Operations
Fort Leonard Wood has limited operations for non-essential personnel. Mission-critical team members are expected to report as usual. The base’s East and West gates will remain closed on Monday due to poor road conditions.
Weather Conditions Overview
Snowfall through the weekend reached up to 8 inches in some areas, creating hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a cold weather advisory extending from Monday morning into the afternoon.
Wind chills are dangerously low, exacerbating health risks associated with prolonged outdoor exposure. Missouri’s Department of Transportation reported numerous calls about stranded motorists and crashes since the weather event began.
Safety Precautions
As the cold persists, residents should:
- Monitor weather updates and road conditions before traveling.
- Avoid unnecessary travel and limit outdoor exposure when possible.
- Keep sidewalks free of snow and ice as mandated by local ordinances.
In summary, though snowfall is coming to an end, the threat of extreme cold remains a significant concern for residents across mid-Missouri. Stay informed and prepared as conditions evolve.
