Columbia Archives - Missourinet

Winter weather advisories and watches issued for Missouri; Chiefs fans urged to be cautious

December 14, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued a winter weather advisory and a winter storm watch for much of Missouri, with a winter storm on the way.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued winter weather advisories and watches for much of Missouri (December 14, 2019 map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

The NWS’ winter weather advisory takes effect Sunday morning and goes through Monday night for a large portion of western and southwest Missouri. The advisory includes Kansas City, St. Joseph, Sedalia, Clinton and Waynesville.

A winter storm watch will go into effect Sunday at noon through Monday night. The watch area includes Columbia, Jefferson City, Fulton, Mexico, Kirksville and Macon.

The newest forecast from NWS in Pleasant Hill indicates the Columbia and Jefferson City areas could see higher snow totals than originally thought, with three to five inches now possible. Moberly, which is about 35 miles north of Columbia, could see almost six inches of snow.

The Kansas City metro area and I-70 communities like Concordia and Odessa should see about five inches of snow, by Monday.

National Weather Service Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell has been urging you to get a full tank of gasoline for your vehicle, before the storm hits. He’s also urging you to pack a winter weather kit in your car and to charge your cell phone.

Meantime, the state Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has been treating roads and bridges in advance of the storm. MoDOT is urging motorists heading to Sunday’s Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City to use extreme caution. Kickoff for Sunday’s Chiefs-Denver game at Arrowhead will begin at noon, and MoDOT says travel after the game will be more challenging that travel to the game.

MoDOT is also recommending that people delay their Monday morning commute, as the complex weather system has the potential to produce ice accumulations in some areas. MoDOT notes freezing rain and ice is expected to move into northwest Missouri early Monday morning.

You can check road conditions anytime at MoDOT’s traveler information map. Those without internet access or who want additional information can call the MoDOT customer service center anytime. That number is 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636). You can call it 24-7, 365 days a year.

NWS says winter storm heading for Missouri on Sunday (AUDIO)

December 13, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill is urging you to get a full tank of gas and to charge your cell phones, before a winter storm impacts much of Missouri on Sunday afternoon into Monday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill expects northern Missouri to see the heaviest snowfall amounts on Sunday, into Monday (December 13, 2019 map courtesy of NWS Pleasant Hill Twitter page)

NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell says northern Missouri will see the highest snowfall totals, about three to five inches.

“St. Joseph over to Chillicothe and up to Kirksville right now looks to be that area where we could see the most, right along that Highway 36 corridor,” Mell says.

Towns like Hamilton, Brookfield and Macon can also expect three to five inches of snow.

Mell tells Missourinet the I-44 corridor between Springfield and Rolla will likely see some ice.

“Down near I-44, I think is probably going to be that best area where we receive that (ice). Could be looking as far north as Columbia and Jefferson City,” says Mell.

While they could see some ice, Mell says the Columbia, Boonville and Jefferson City areas will likely receive snow, about two to four inches.

The NWS advises you to keep a winter weather kit in your vehicle, and to pay close attention to the weather forecast throughout the weekend. Mell notes specifics could change by Sunday, as the system moves closer to Missouri.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Spencer Mell, which was recorded on December 13, 2019:

Severe storms and brief tornadoes possible across Missouri tonight (AUDIO)

November 26, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that much of Missouri could see severe weather Tuesday evening, into the early morning hours.

The National Weather Service is warning that severe thunderstorms and brief tornadoes are possible across Missouri tonight (November 26, 2019 map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

Southeast Missouri towns like Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau, Caruthersville and Kennett are now at an enhanced risk.

NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Scott Blair describes it as a dynamic storm system that we normally see in the spring.

“Western Missouri, we’re looking at sometime around or just a little after sunset,” Blair says. “And that threat will quickly progress to the east as we head into the late evening and early overnight hours.”

Most of Missouri is in the “slight” risk category. Cities is that category include Columbia, Jefferson City, Kirksville, Hannibal, Springfield, Joplin and West Plains. Blair says those areas could see strong thunderstorms with winds capable of producing a brief tornado.

“The good news though is that if there happens to be any tornadoes, we’re not looking at the real long track strong or violent type. This is going to be more of a brief type of tornado out there,” says Blair.

45 mile-per-hour winds are expected across the state tonight. The biggest threat in much of the state will be damaging wind gusts.

The NWS says the storms will be moving fast.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Scott Blair, which was recorded on November 26, 2019:

Winter storm briefly closes interstate in western Missouri (AUDIO)

November 11, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Winter weather briefly closed heavily-traveled southbound I-49 in western Missouri’s Belton on Monday morning, because of numerous slide offs and unsafe driving conditions.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis is warning about deteriorating conditions on bridges and overpasses (November 11, 2019 map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter)

National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Jonathan Kurtz notes it’s rare for a storm to close an interstate.

“It happens from time to time when you get these pretty strong intense bursts of snow,” Kurtz says. “And we have had two rounds here in the Kansas City metro, and two pretty strong lines have come through.”

I-49, which has re-opened, is a major route for truckers, and runs in Missouri from just south of Kansas City to southwest Missouri’s McDonald County.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) spokeswoman Sally Oxenhandler tells Missourinet that southbound I-49 at 163rd Street in Cass County was closed for about 20 minutes today.

Kurtz says conditions on the interstate quickly deteriorated.

“I-49 was only closed for a little bit of time there due to some slick roads there,” says Kurtz. “And snow started to accumulate pretty fast. Once it started hitting the ground, it only took about 20 to 30 minutes for the road to start to get snow-covered.”

Missouri state troopers responded to several slide-offs on Highway 50 in western Missouri’s Knob Noster on November 11, 2019 (photo from Missourinet’s Ashley Byrd)

The National Weather Service is warning Missourians that the snow and falling temperatures will lead to deteriorating conditions on bridges and overpasses for your evening commute. Mr. Kurtz is urging motorists to slow down.

“My drive in was pretty slick as well, and you just have to give yourself plenty of time. And we can kind of be thrown off, especially when the day before we had highs in the 50’s,” Kurtz says.

Snow is expected to end in Jefferson City by 4 p.m. Monday and in southeast Missouri’s Farmington by 6 p.m. The NWS is urging motorists and anyone heading outside to dress in layers.

Northwest Missouri’s St. Joseph has received about an inch of snow, while mid-Missouri’s Columbia has seen about an inch as well. There’s an inch-and-a-half on the ground in northeast Missouri’s Foley.

Several schools in mid-Missouri and in the Ozarks have dismissed early because of the storm. Westminster College in mid-Missouri’s Fulton has also dismissed classes early.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) Pleasant Hill meteorologist Jonathan Kurtz, which was recorded on November 11, 2019:

Missouri senators expected to hold lengthy hearing Monday about gun violence

November 2, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A Missouri Senate committee studying gun violence is expected to hear several hours of testimony Monday in Jefferson City.

State Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, speaks at the Statehouse in Jefferson City on May 10, 2018 (file photo courtesy of Missouri Senate photographer Harrison Sweazea)

The chairman of the newly-formed Senate Interim Committee on Public Safety is expecting a lengthy hearing at the Statehouse. The committee meets Monday morning at 10, and chairman State Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, tells Missourinet each of the seven senators on the committee has invited witnesses from different backgrounds and expertise.

U-S Attorney Tim Garrison has noted that St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield are three of the top 15 most violent cities in the nation, on a per capita basis.

Chairman Libla says it’s time for the senators to put their minds together and get some direction on the gun violence issue.

Republicans have a 4-3 majority on the committee, and State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, has praised Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, for forming the committee. She hopes it will come up with a blueprint to reduce the violence.

Senator Nasheed, who serves on the committee, describes increasing gun violence as a public health crisis.

“I want those individual experts to be able to come in and talk about what are the legislative best practices that we can push to help reduce the type of violence that we’re seeing in our community,” Nasheed says.

At least 13 children have been killed in St. Louis city shootings in 2019, and there have been 122 homicides in Kansas City this year. In mid-Missouri’s Columbia, there were five murders in September.

Senator Nasheed, who successfully pushed Schatz to create the committee, looks forward to a productive interim committee. She tells Missourinet the violence is “plaguing” inner cities and outstate.

“I look forward to a plan in terms of legislation so that we can be able to curb this gun violence in the city of St. Louis, Kansas City and throughout the state of Missouri,” says Nasheed.

The committee is expected to come up with recommendations by December, for the 2020 legislative session that begins in January.

New Missouri Senate committee studying gun violence to hold first hearing Monday (AUDIO)

October 30, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A key Democratic state senator is pleased that Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, has formed an interim committee to study gun violence, saying she hopes the committee will come up with a blueprint to reduce the violence.

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, briefs Capitol reporters in January 2018 (file photo courtesy of Missouri Senate photographer Harrison Sweazea)

The committee’s first hearing is Monday in Jefferson City.

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, called on Pro Tem Schatz to create the committee, back in September. Nasheed describes the gun violence in her hometown as an epidemic.

“I mean when we have children dying on the street by way of AK 47’s and AR-15’s, yeah this is a massive, massive crisis,” Nasheed says.

She also says it’s a public health crisis.

“And I’m just happy that the senators are ready to roll up their sleeves and begin to look at best practices in terms of legislation so that we can help reduce the violence that’s plaguing the inner cities as well as outstate,” says Nasheed.

U.S. Attorney Tim Garrison has noted that St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield are three of the top 15 most violent cities in the nation, on a per capita basis.

At least 13 children have been killed in St. Louis city shootings in 2019, and Kansas City Police say there have been 122 homicides there this year. In central Missouri’s Columbia, there were five murders during the month of September.

The Senate Interim Committee on Public Safety is chaired by State Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, and State Sen. Jeanie Riddle, R-Mokane, is the vice-chair. Republicans have a 4-3 majority on the committee, which Nasheed serves on.

Senator Nasheed tells Missourinet the committee’s first hearing is Monday morning at 10 at the Missouri Capitol, where they’ll hear from expert witnesses in areas like public safety and social work.

She has also called for increased protection for crime witnesses, saying they are fearful for their safety. Governor Mike Parson (R) has also expressed that concern.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, which was recorded on October 30, 2019:

Winter weather continues in north Missouri; freeze warning on Halloween in northern and mid-Missouri (AUDIO)

October 30, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service’s (NWS) winter weather advisory for northern Missouri continues through Thursday morning. NWS Pleasant Hill meteorologist Joey Welsh says northeast Missouri towns like Kirksville, Shelbyville and Edina will see the heaviest snowfall.

October 30, 2019 map courtesy of National Weather Service (NWS) St. Louis Twitter page

“Kind of in that bulls eye area is northeast Missouri and they’re expecting one-and-a-half to two inches through tomorrow morning,” Welsh says.

While central Missouri is not in the advisory, NWS meteorologist Joey Welsh says Columbia and Jefferson City could see hazardous travel conditions Wednesday evening.

“Jefferson City and surrounding areas will see the potential for some wintry mix and maybe some very light ice accumulations,” says Welsh.

Welsh says the wintry mix will begin tonight at about 6 in Jefferson City, Columbia and Sedalia, before changing to all snow by about 9 p.m. He urges motorists in central Missouri to slow down and to give themselves extra time.

Meantime, the NWS in Pleasant Hill has issued a freeze warning for Halloween throughout northern and central Missouri. Welsh warns of rapidly falling temperatures, as snow continues to fall in north Missouri and mid-Missouri sees the wintry mix tonight.

“We’ll drop down to the 20’s tonight and, combined with the winds, we’ll see wind chill values in the teens even for Jefferson City and surrounding areas,” Welsh says.

Stay tuned to Missourinet and to your local radio affiliate for winter weather coverage.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Joey Welsh, which was recorded on October 30, 2019:

Winter weather advisory for northern Missouri goes into effect Tuesday night (AUDIO)

October 29, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Pleasant Hill has issued a winter weather advisory for northern Missouri, primarily from Boonville and Moberly points north. The advisory includes Kansas City.

The National Weather Service is expecting snow to begin Tuesday night in northern Missouri (October 29, 2019 map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter page)

NWS meteorologist Chris Bowman tells Missourinet the advisory takes effect Tuesday night at 10.

“The best chances for any kind of accumulating snow and any kind of light glaze from freezing drizzle is going to be north of the (Missouri) river, into that Maryville, Chillicothe, Kirksville area,” Bowman says.

He says the heaviest snowfall will be north of the Highway 36 corridor.

“Areas from Moberly to (northwest Missouri’s) Chillicothe could see about one to two inches,” says Bowman. “Kirksville, maybe upwards of four inches.”

Northeast Missouri’s Edina could also see three to four inches of snow by Thursday morning, while northwest Missouri’s Maryville and Albany are expected to receive two to three inches of snow.

The winter weather advisory issued by the NWS in Pleasant Hill does not include mid-Missouri, at this time. Mr. Bowman tells Missourinet that Jefferson City, Columbia, Mexico and Sedalia could see a glaze of ice, primarily on elevated surfaces, along with light snow.

“Looking at maybe a trace to an inch of snowfall, so you know, a dusting to maybe an inch,” Bowman says.

The NWS also says three-tenths of an inch of snow fell Monday night at Kansas City International Airport, making it only the 14th measurable October snowfall in 132 years of record-keeping. It’s also only the third time it’s happened in back-to-back years.

Click here to listen to the full interview between Missourinet’s Brian Hauswirth and National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Chris Bowman, which was recorded on October 29, 2019:

Delay in Columbia Planned Parenthood arson trial

October 2, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

A trial for a mid-Missouri man charged with the February arson at the Columbia Planned Parenthood clinic has been delayed.

42-year-old Wesley Brian Kaster of Columbia is charged with one count of maliciously damaging a building, owned by an organization that receives federal financial assistance, by means of fire or an explosive.

Kaster’s trial was scheduled to begin last week; however, U.S. Attorney’s office spokesman Don Ledford says Kaster requested a continuance and federal prosecutors did not object.

The new trial date is December 2 in Jefferson City, before U.S. District Judge Brian Wimes.

Federal prosecutors say surveillance video from Planned Parenthood and from neighboring businesses recorded Kaster starting at about 2:30 a.m. on February 10, when he allegedly broke the front door and placed a bucket inside the building that was later found to be filled with gasoline. Prosecutors say that after a few attempts during the next hour, Kaster allegedly ignited a Molotov cocktail-type device inside the clinic.

Ledford tells Missourinet that Kaster remains in federal custody until trial.

Lightning, hail and a few tornadoes possible across Missouri this evening (AUDIO)

August 26, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says severe thunderstorms are likely Monday evening across a large section of Missouri, stretching from Columbia to Jefferson City to the Lake of the Ozarks to Springfield.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in St. Louis says severe storms could impact Columbia, Jefferson City and Springfield tonight (map courtesy of NWS St. Louis Twitter page)

NWS meteorologist Jared Maples tells Missourinet the time frame will be from about 5 to midnight.

“Will extend from about Columbia and Jefferson City and just increase to the southwest of there, and a lot of that is probably going to come from this complex that is ongoing right now,” Maples says.

He says lightning, large hail and wind gusts up to 65 miles-per-hour are expected, adding that a few tornadoes are also possible.

“That’s what everybody should keep their eyes and ears open for and have several sources for warning information for that type of threat,” says Maples.

The NWS in Kansas City has issued several severe thunderstorm warnings for western Missouri today, and the NWS Springfield office has also issued several severe thunderstorm warnings.

Click here to listen to Brian Hauswirth’s full interview with NWS St. Louis meteorologist Jared Maples, which was recorded on August 26, 2019: