Communities Hit by Record Snowfall
Missouri is reeling under the weight of a historic snowfall that has disrupted daily life across the state. Kansas City bore the brunt with an unprecedented 11 inches of snow—the largest since 1993. Columbia recorded 5 inches, prompting city and county agencies to make swift adjustments to ensure safety for students, commuters, and residents.
While many city services resumed normal operations by Tuesday, hazardous conditions have led to prolonged school disruptions. Numerous districts, including Columbia Public Schools, Southern Boone, and Hallsville, remain closed or continue remote operations. Schools like Columbia Public Schools have activated their Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) plans, allowing students to work on review materials at home without needing internet access. Other districts like Southern Boone have opted for traditional snow days, prioritizing safety over schedules.
City Services and Transportation Updates
Efforts to clear Missouri’s snow-covered roads are in full swing. Columbia’s Public Works department deployed a 30-member snowplow crew Monday morning, focusing on priority roads before extending operations to neighborhood streets. By Tuesday morning, 65% of neighborhood streets in Columbia had been plowed. Crews continue to work in 12-hour shifts to treat and clear roads.
Public transportation has also seen a gradual resumption. Go COMO bus services returned Monday on a limited schedule, while paratransit services resumed Tuesday. Trash collection, which was canceled on Monday, has resumed for the rest of the week, though recycling services remain suspended through Wednesday. Meanwhile, public facilities such as the Columbia Public Library and Daniel Boone Regional Library branches operated on delayed schedules Tuesday, ensuring safer access for residents.
Statewide, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has deployed approximately 1,500 snow trucks. MoDOT crews work tirelessly in 12-hour shifts, prioritizing clearing major highways. Residents are encouraged to monitor road conditions via MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map or their social media channels.
Weather-Related Challenges and Statewide Resources
The extreme weather has left many Missouri residents stranded or in need of assistance. As of Monday afternoon, the Missouri State Highway Patrol had responded to 436 crashes and assisted 1,788 stranded motorists, with 38 reported injuries and one fatality statewide. In Boone County, Troop F handled 150 calls for help, including 82 incidents of stranded motorists.
Colleges and employment institutions are also adjusting schedules to accommodate the weather. While the University of Missouri and Columbia College resumed in-person operations Tuesday, Stephens College remains remote until Wednesday. Job Point delayed administrative office hours and canceled student classes.
Despite the challenges, Missouri communities continue to adapt, supported by statewide resources and coordinated efforts. With more snowplows, transit updates, and safety measures in place, residents are hopeful for a swift return to normalcy in the coming days.
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