Winter weather forecast: Columbia expecting 2-6 inches of snow as system approaches
The Columbia area likely still will see between 2 and 6 inches of snow in the overnight hours Tuesday. One change from the National Weather Service is the region now is under a winter weather advisory until 9 p.m. Wednesday.
These advisories are issued generally when there is an expectation of 3 to 5 inches of snow, said Melissa Byrd, meteorologist with the National Weather Service. Areas southeast of Columbia are expecting greater snow impacts, and so were under a watch and now winter storm warning.
"We put out a watch if we think conditions are going to become warning criteria. That is why the initial watch did not include (Columbia). It was south of you, because that is the area we were expecting a warning, which we did issue a warning for," Byrd said.
Previously: Snow is forecast overnight Tuesday. Here's how much to expect.
Because of the wet nature of the snow, it will be better for impaction — or, in other words, making snowmen.
Between 9 p.m. and midnight Tuesday, a mix moderate snow and rain was expected, transitioning to all snow by midnight. About half an inch of snow will fall per hour between midnight and 6 a.m. before it starts to taper off between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday.
The snow will make travel difficult Wednesday morning, so Byrd recommends either staying home or using extreme caution if one does have to drive.
"With the rapid accumulation of the snow, it will make travel difficult, if not impossible," she said. "Make sure you keep an extra flashlight, food, water in your vehicle in case of emergency. Just be alert for the rapidly changing conditions."
More: Columbia Public Works staff take dry run of plow routes ahead of winter weather
Columbia public works expected to pretreat roads Tuesday afternoon and evening with a salt brine solution to keep roads clear. If snow accumulation is greater than 2 inches, public works generally issues a notice, through the city's alert system and to social media, to have vehicles removed from priority snow routes.
Columbia fleet maintenance crews are "hard at work preparing trucks, checking hydraulic lines, making sure all the parts of salt spreaders are functioning perfectly, cleaning windows (and) checking fluid, among other duties," wrote John Ogan, public works spokesperson, in a message to the Tribune.
Once the snow tapers off Wednesday and people start to shovel snow, Dr. Christopher Sampson from the University of Missouri Emergency Department recommends taking frequent breaks, especially for those who are not used to the physical exertion with shoveling wet and heavy snow. He also recommends wearing appropriate footwear for traversing the snow, even for a task as simple as taking a dog out for a potty break.
"With a good amount of snow that can get packed down, slip and falls are a common injury. Even people walking on sidewalks or just coming out of a home's steps that haven't been cleared properly," Sampson said. "We know there is a rise in heart attacks when there are large snowfalls, especially with wet, heavy snow. It can be strenuous to do that."
It is a good idea to have over-the-counter pain medication and even ace-type bandages for any potential sprains or strains from shoveling snow. If a person cannot put weight or hold or carry something, that is when a person should visit an urgent care or emergency department, Sampson said.
From December: Winter weather grips Central U.S. 1-3 inches snow expected in Boone County
For those with snow blowers and there is a fault, people should not put their hands near the area where snow goes in, as there are several sharp blades that can cause injuries, he added.
Sampson mirrored Byrd in advice for those who have to venture out by having extra food water, blankets and a way to keep a phone charged in case of a slide-off or other weather-related crash, just in case response times are longer.
There is less risk of frostbite with this winter storm than at Christmas because of warmer temperatures, Sampson said, noting the variety of warming and overnight shelters for the city's unsheltered population.
Cancelations and closures
This list will be updated cancelations and closures come in
Tuesday
Storm spotter training at The Crossing Church, hosted by Boone County Office of Emergency Management
Wednesday
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: National Weather Service issues advisory for overnight snow
