Excelsior Springs, Mo. (January 4, 2025) — A powerful winter storm is forecasted to impact Excelsior Springs this weekend, prompting city officials to activate emergency plans and urge residents to prepare for potentially hazardous conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning effective from 6:00 PM CST Saturday, January 4, 2025, until 3:00 AM CST Monday, January 6, 2025, with a Blizzard Warning in effect from 3:00 AM Sunday to 3:00 AM CST Monday.
The storm is expected to bring heavy mixed precipitation, including snow, sleet, and ice, with accumulations of 8 to 15 inches of snow and up to one-tenth of an inch of ice. Wind gusts reaching 40 mph could lead to blizzard conditions, severely reducing visibility and making travel dangerous.
Emergency Operations Plan
City Manager Molly McGovern has provided the city’s Emergency Operations Plan to coordinate response efforts and resources when the time comes. “Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our residents,” McGovern said. “We urge everyone to take this storm seriously, prepare accordingly, and avoid unnecessary travel.”
The Excelsior Springs Public Works Department began pre-treating major roadways on Saturday to prevent ice formation and will transition to snow-clearing operations as the storm progresses. Crews will prioritize clearing major routes and collector streets before addressing neighborhood roads and cul-de-sacs.
MoDOT (Missouri Department of Transportation) will manage state highways, including 10, 92, and 69, with resources like the Traveler Information Map and traffic cameras offering real-time road condition updates. Residents are advised to stay off roads during the storm to ensure the safety of both travelers and snow-clearing crews.
Ameren Missouri Prepares for Potential Outages
Power outages are a significant concern as the storm approaches. Ameren Missouri, the region’s primary utility provider, has emergency responders and repair crews on standby. Customers experiencing outages are encouraged to report issues via Ameren’s website or by calling their hotline at 800.552.7583. Residents can also sign up for alerts by texting REG to AMEREN (263736).
Ameren recommends safety precautions such as keeping electronic devices fully charged, preparing alternative heat sources, and maintaining a safe distance from power crews while repairs are underway. They also caution against scammers asking for payments to restore power.
Safety Recommendations for Residents
Here are essential winter storm safety tips to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property during severe winter weather.
Stay Indoors and Aware
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. Be cautious of downed power lines and poles, which can pose severe safety hazards.
- Check your surroundings: Trim trees and branches to prevent them from falling on power lines and causing outages.
Protect Your Utilities
- Clear natural gas meters: Use a broom to keep meters and piping clear of snow and ice. Avoid using tools like shovels or ice chippers, which can damage equipment.
- Prevent freezing pipes: Let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving and avoid pipe bursts.
Insulate and Warm Your Home
- Seal your home: Ensure your home is well-insulated to maintain warmth and reduce energy consumption.
- Conserve heat: Close off unused rooms and dress in layers to stay warm.
Power Outage Preparedness
- Unplug electronics: If the power goes out, turn off lights and unplug appliances to prevent damage or circuit overloading when power is restored.
- Charge devices: Keep phones and electronics fully charged before the storm to maintain communication.
Emergency Kit Essentials
Prepare a storm-ready emergency kit with these items:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Radios for weather updates
- Non-perishable foods and bottled water
- Necessary medications and first-aid supplies
- Blankets and warm clothing
Alternative Heat Sources
- Follow safety guidelines: Use alternative heat sources cautiously. Ventilate rooms properly and follow manufacturer instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Use GFCI outlets: Install ground fault circuit interrupters in areas prone to snow and ice to prevent electrical injuries. Portable GFCIs can also be added to emergency kits.
Generator Safety
- Avoid enclosed spaces: Never use a generator indoors, in garages, crawl spaces, or other enclosed areas where exhaust fumes could accumulate.
- Direct plug-ins only: Plug appliances directly into the generator instead of connecting it to your home’s circuits.
Look Out for Others
- Check on neighbors: Reach out to elderly or disabled friends and neighbors to ensure they are safe and have the necessary supplies.
Travel Warnings and Resources
The National Weather Service advises against travel during the storm, emphasizing that conditions could deteriorate rapidly. If travel is unavoidable, drivers should equip their vehicles with winter survival kits, including a flashlight, blankets, food, water, and a phone charger.
Local resources, including MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map and Ameren’s Outage Center, provide real-time updates on road conditions and power restoration efforts. These tools can be accessed online for up-to-date information during the storm.
Community Efforts
There are only a couple of verified options available for those seeking emergency shelter to provide relief from the cold. These centers offer a safe place to escape the frigid weather but only during their operating hours, and both are subject to closure due to severe weather.
Official Warming Centers
- Mid-Continent Public Library – Excelsior Springs Branch
1460 Kearney Rd.
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
The library offers a quiet and comfortable place to warm up, read, and charge electronic devices during its business hours. - Excelsior Springs Community Center
500 Tiger Dr.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 5 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The community center is open to all residents and offers a welcoming space to stay warm, exercise, or socialize safely.
For road conditions, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map. For power outage updates, visit Ameren’s Outage Center.
Follow the Excelsior Citizen Facebook Group for ongoing coverage.
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