FARMINGTON, MO (Show Me Live) – The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Crawford, Washington, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve MO, Iron, Madison, and Reynolds Counties in Missouri until 6 am tomorrow (Wed, Feb 19th). A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for Lincoln, Gasconade, Warren, St. Charles, Franklin, St. Louis, and Jefferson Counties and St. Louis City in Missouri and Bond, Clinton, Marion, Washington, Randolph, Calhoun IL, Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe Counties in Illinois until 6 am tomorrow.
Heavy snow is expected with total snow accumulations between five and ten inches. Higher amounts are possible in portions of east central and southeast Missouri. The rapid accumulation of snow will make travel extremely difficult, if not impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday evening commutes. If travel is necessary, be sure to exercise extreme caution. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Residents are encouraged to monitor the latest forecasts for updates on the winter storm. The latest road conditions can be obtained at traveler.modot.org/map or by calling 1-888-275-6636.
The City of Farmington would like to remind citizens that anyone in need of a warming shelter may visit any City of Farmington building that is available to the public during normal business hours or contact Central Dispatch for assistance at 573-431-3131.
Locations include the Farmington City Hall at 110 W Columbia St and Development Services City Light & Water at 101 S Jefferson St from 8 am until 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; Farmington Civic Center at 2 Black Knight Dr from 5 am until 8 pm Monday through Friday, 7 am until 6 pm on Saturday; and 8 am until 6 pm on Sunday; Farmington Public Library at 101 N A St from 10 am until 9 pm Monday through Thursday, 10 am until 6 pm on Friday, and 10 am until 4 pm on Saturday; and the Farmington Police Department at 310 Ste. Genevieve Ave and Farmington Fire Department at 222 E Columbia St, both 24/7.
Farmington Emergency Management Director, Joshua McAtee said, “Anyone who needs assistance getting to a warming shelter can contact Central Dispatch on the non-emergency line at 573-431-3131. The Uplift Shelter, located at 609 Wallace Road in Farmington, will also be open 24 hours a day through February 21st. Those needing assistance may call 573-454-2304 for more information.”
The potential for heavy snow brings the potential for power outages. Farmington City Light & Water customers are urged to use the City’s new notification system when reporting outages. Customers can call or text 833-990-3370. Customers can then receive updates via text, when available. A live outage map is now available with the new system at hometowngrid.com/farmington.
Homeowners should also prepare for the possibility of frozen water lines. It is important to take precautionary steps to prevent lines from freezing. This includes leaving a faucet dripping when temperatures are below freezing for an extended period. If you live in a manufactured home, make sure your skirting is in place and there are no gaps. If you are connected to city water, make sure you know how to shut the water supply to your house off in the event your pipes freeze. This will help prevent further damage to the pipes. If you experience frozen pipes, you will need to contact a licensed plumber as soon as you can.
McAtee reminds citizens to check in on family, friends, neighbors, and pets, and make sure they have adequate shelter during the winter storm and extreme cold temperatures. When shoveling remember to dress appropriately, don’t get exhausted, and those with health conditions should consider getting assistance from a family member, neighbor, or snow removal company. Residents may also sign up for weather alerts at farmington-mo.gov/smart911.