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Temperature to drop below 32 in Columbia by tonight; motorists urged to be cautious

January 25, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Columbia Public Works employee Paul Kalogeris, a CDL operator, conducts preliminary checks of trucks and equipment on January 24, 2023 (photo courtesy of Columbia Public Works spokesman John Ogan)

Columbia Public Works crews are warning motorists that temperatures are expected to drop below freezing by about 7 o’clock tonight (Wednesday). Public Works spokesman John Ogan tells 939 the Eagle that motorists should be careful.

“We would advise people to still keep it slow and only make trips if it’s absolutely necessary. There’s still a possibility of sliding off in wet conditions like this,” Ogan says.

Temperatures are still above freezing this afternoon. Columbia Police and Public Works advise you to increase your distance between cars today and tonight, and to clear your car windows of any snow and ice before driving.

“Columbia drivers, they’ve been doing very well during these winter weather events of late,” says Ogan.

Meantime, the National Weather Service’s (NWS) winter weather advisory for central Missouri has expired. NWS St. Louis meteorologist Kevin Dietsch tells 939 the Eagle that Columbia received 1.8 inches of snow from overnight through this morning. The NWS says rain lasted longer than anticipated overnight along the busy I-70 corridor in mid-Missouri. That significantly limited snow amounts in Columbia, Jefferson City and Fulton.

Boone County firefighters responded to five crashes and minor slide offs in the snow this morning. Boone County Fire Protection District assistant chief Gale Blomenkamp tells 939 the Eagle that one involved a vehicle that overturned this morning on northbound 63 near 763, north of Columbia. No serious injuries are reported.

Mid-Missouri’s winter weather advisory begins tonight at 9

January 24, 2023 By Brian Hauswirth

Here are the updated snow projections from the National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis (January 24, 2023 graphic courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

Columbia, Jefferson City and much of the 939 the Eagle listening area should see several inches of snow by tomorrow (Wednesday).

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for the entire listening area, which takes effect tonight at 9. NWS St. Louis meteorologist Mark Britt expects snow to begin falling this evening.

“Main part of the snow will be late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. And we are looking at about two to five inches of snow,” Britt says.

NWS St. Louis meteorologist Ben Herzog tells 939 the Eagle that Columbia is expected to receive two to five inches of snow by tomorrow, while Jefferson City is projected to see three to six inches. Snow should begin falling in mid-Missouri tonight at 9.

A heavier band of snow is expected along the I-70 corridor east of Columbia. Fulton, New Florence and Warrenton could see six inches of snow. Southern Missouri’s Farmington and Lebanon could see nine inches.

The National Weather Service is urging you to prepare your vehicle today ahead of the heavy, wet snow moving into mid-Missouri tonight.

“Anytime during winter (you) want to have more than a half-tank of gas in your car. You want to make sure that you have a winter preparedness kit in your car, say a blanket,” says Britt.

You’re also urged to have gloves and water with you in your vehicle, and to make sure your cell phone is fully charged.

Keep fresh batteries for your radio and keep it tuned to 939 the Eagle for updated winter weather information, including road conditions.

(AUDIO): U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) discusses GOP-controlled U.S. House and Toys for Tots’ 75th anniversary on “Wake Up Mid-Missouri”

December 6, 2022 By Brian Hauswirth

Veteran U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-St. Elizabeth) is about to start his eighth term on Capitol Hill, after winning re-election to his east-central Missouri district in November. The district includes parts of Columbia, Ashland, Fulton and O’Fallon. Congressman Luetkemeyer is in line to become the powerful chairman of the U.S. House Small Business Committee in January. He joined us live on 939 the Eagle’s “Wake Up Mid-Missouri” to preview the new Congress and to reflect on the 75th anniversary of a program the congressman has touted for years: Toys for Tots:

Mid-Missouri food bank: food security “is running pretty rampant”

October 19, 2022 By Brian Hauswirth

The food pantry at SERVE INC. of Callaway County in Fulton (file photo courtesy of SERVE website)

A non-profit organization that’s operated for 51 years in mid-Missouri’s Fulton says their food pantry is seeing a massive effect from supply shortage. They’re also seeing an increase in unemployment and utility assistance requests.

SERVE Incorporated’s mission is to organize, facilitate, promote and provide services to meet the needs of Callaway County residents. SERVE outreach coordinator Carol Lewis says food insecurity is “running pretty rampant” in Callaway County. She says residents are requesting more assistance.

“Kids are needing help with school supplies, energy assistance, prescription assistance. In some cases, emergency housing as well,” Lewis says.

Lewis tells 939 the Eagle that they’ve seen a 20 ton shortage of food since last July, along with a 17 percent increase in residents requesting assistance. SERVE Incorporated business manager Marilyn Bartley says many area food pantries are being impacted by the supply shortage. She notes SERVE receives food from the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, but says they’ve been impacted as well.

“They’ve shown a huge decrease in supply. Well, we have funds earmarked when we need to purchase. Now we are seeing a decline in supply in being able to order food in bulk,” Bartley says.

The non-profit is planning a charity Halloween event Saturday evening at 8 at the Fulton Country Club. Lewis says all proceeds from the ball will go towards the organization’s assistance programs. They include SERVES’s food pantry and their Adopt a Family Christmas program, which assists children and families during the holiday season.

Ticket costs are $35, $45 and $55, and you’re encouraged but not required to wear a Halloween costume. You can call SERVE at (573) 642-6388 for additional information.

Columbia and Jefferson City are under a frost advisory

October 7, 2022 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a frost advisory for Columbia, Jefferson City and most of mid-Missouri (October 7, 2022 graphic courtesy of NWS St. Louis meteorologist Chris Kimble)

A freeze warning is now in effect for Mexico, Laddonia, Macon and other northern towns in the 939 the Eagle listening area. The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says freezing temperatures of between 30 and 32 degrees are expected tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

The NWS says sensitive outdoor vegetation in those areas could be damaged if not protected.

Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton and Boonville are under a frost advisory. Frost advisories are issued when the minimum temperature is projected to be 33 to 36 degrees on clear and calm nights during the growing season.

The NWS is reminding Columbia and other central Missouri residents to protect any tender vegetation.

Keep your radio tuned to 939 the Eagle for updated forecast information.