Public Works crew scheduled to report Wednesday at 7 p.m., Feb. 21

A Public Works crew is scheduled to report at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, and begin focusing on Designated Snow Routes in anticipation of a forecast of wintery mix and freezing rain beginning later this evening.

According to the Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service in St. Louis, this event could "result in difficult travel conditions including during the morning commute on Thursday."

There is strong potential for more widespread slickness than Tuesday as this could be a continuous active winter weather event.

"The precipitation likely won't end until Thursday morning during the day, so we aren't likely to be as lucky with the wind drying effect that occurred in the early morning hours this morning," Columbia Public Works Engineering Manager Richard Stone said.

Freezing rain/wintry mix is expected to start sometime after 8 p.m. Wednesday and could lead to immediate slick conditions on many surfaces due to pavement temperatures being below freezing.

"Continuous washing will mean that we will need to focus on additional treatment of priority routes," Stone said.

Pavement temperatures will likely be above freezing after 8 a.m. Thursday morning but roads could be slippery early in the morning. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to their local forecasts and road conditions and above all drive slowly. If roads are icy, delaying your travel is advisable.