Columbia avoids extensive snowfall, but not weather-related crashes

Charles Dunlap, Columbia Daily Tribune
·3 min read

While Columbia saw less anticipated snowfall overnight Tuesday than was forecast, it did not avoid slick conditions Wednesday morning.

Boone County Joint Communications noted at least eight crashes between midnight and roughly 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, with many on state-managed highways. The Columbia Police Department asks residents to report all non-injury crashes through 311.

Troop F of the Missouri Highway Patrol, which includes Boone County, noted 43 service calls in the overnight hours. This included 13 stranded motorists, nine noninjury crashes and one injury crash.

Semi driver Frank Bosse, 66, of Atchison, Kansas, received minor injuries after the Peterbilt he was driving slid off the right side Interstate 70 eastbound at the Centralia exit at about 12:35 a.m., the patrol reported. The tractor-trailer overturned onto its right side after entering a ditch. He was taken to University Hospital by Boone Ambulance.

Columbia Public Works still is asking people to stay home, if possible, because of the spotty, slick road conditions. They remain a concern, "especially on bridges and elevated surfaces," wrote John Ogan, department spokesperson, in an email Wednesday morning.

Pavement temperatures remained above freezing during the overnight hours. Roads were maintained by a 12-hour overnight crew. After their shift ended at 7 a.m. Wednesday, regular street crews took over.

Since temperatures are expected to drop to below freezing Wednesday night, public works staff are keeping an eye on roadway moisture in case of a refreeze, as temperatures are not expected to be above freezing until Friday.

While Columbia expected to receive between 2 to 6 inches of snow overnight Tuesday, the National Weather Service only logged one inch. It still was snowing as of about 9 a.m. Wednesday, with another possible inch expected by noon, which is when the winter weather advisory was set to end.

Shelters and warming centers were open Wednesday.

Warming shelters

  • Flourish (for teens), call 573-615-6135

  • Room at the Inn, 1509 Ashley St., call 573-825-6038

  • Salvation Army Harbor House (men, women and families), 602 N. Ann St.

  • Rainbow House (for children/youth), 1611 Towne Dr.

  • True North (for domestic violence), call 573-875-1370

  • Welcome Home (for veterans), 2120 Business Loop 70 E.

  • St. Francis House (for men), 901 Range Line St., guests must be vaccinated for COVID-19 to stay overnight

The City of Columbia notes shelter availability may vary.

Turning Point at Wilkes Boulevard United Methodist Church is available from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as an overnight warming center of last resort when temperatures drop to 25 degrees or below.

Warming centers available during normal business hours are:

  • ARC (Activity and Recreation Center), 1701 W. Ash St.

  • City Hall, 701 East Broadway

  • Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St.

  • Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway

  • Salvation Army, 1108 W. Ash St.

  • Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N. Ann St.

  • St. Francis House, 901 Range Line St.

Columbia utilities also continues to monitor conditions due to the wet and heavy snow. Crews are on standby in case of downed power lines. Sporadic outages also are possible because of the weight of snow and ice. Crews are ready in case of water main breaks due to the temperatures. If a break happens, residents will be informed of a boil order via door hang tag.

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Less snow, but more vehicle crashes marks mid-week morning