Official City Notice: Winter Storm State of Emergency and Public Service Updates

Emergency Declaration and Winter Weather Warning

Mayor Cara Spencer has officially declared a Local State of Emergency for the City of St. Louis as the region remains under a Winter Storm Warning. The warning is active through 6:00 PM today, Sunday, January 25, 2026. National Weather Service forecasts indicate total snow accumulations of 10 to 13 inches, with dangerously low temperatures and wind chills falling below zero. Residents are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to allow snowplow operators to prioritize primary and secondary routes. The City’s Winter Weather Unified Command is currently operating 12-hour shifts to manage road pretreatment and clearing operations.

Public Health Advisory: Code Blue and Influenza Surge

The Department of Human Services has activated Code Blue Shelter Protocols at Level 4, the highest tier of emergency response. This activation remains in effect until 9:00 AM Monday, January 26. Approximately 600 emergency shelter beds have been made available to ensure the safety of unhoused residents. Individuals seeking warmth or shelter can access transportation through designated city partners.

Additionally, Health Commissioner Victoria Anwuri has issued a public health advisory following a significant spike in Influenza A cases. Surveillance data indicates that adults aged 25 to 49 are currently the most affected demographic. The Department of Health urges residents to prioritize vaccination and monitor for symptoms such as high fever, shivering, and confusion. Due to the combined risk of extreme cold and viral spread, health officials recommend checking on elderly neighbors and vulnerable family members regularly.

Service Disruptions and Facility Closures

Due to the severity of the storm and the prioritization of snow removal, several city services and major attractions have announced the following changes for Sunday, January 25:

• Waste Collection: All trash and recycling collection originally scheduled for Monday, January 26, is suspended. Pickups will be delayed by one day throughout the coming week.
• Municipal Court: All St. Louis Municipal Court sessions scheduled for Monday, January 26, have been canceled. Cases will be rescheduled automatically.
• Closures: The Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, Gateway Arch, St. Louis Science Center, and the City Museum remain closed today. Soulard Farmers Market also remains shuttered following its Saturday closure.

Upcoming Governance and Committee Meetings

Despite the weather emergency, the Board of Aldermen has released the schedule for the upcoming week. The Budget and Public Employees Committee is slated to meet on Wednesday, January 28, at 6:00 PM in the Kennedy Hearing Room. Further sessions for the Personnel and Administration Committee are scheduled for Thursday, January 29, followed by a full Board Meeting on Friday, January 30, at 10:00 AM. Residents are encouraged to monitor the city’s digital portal for any weather-related shifts in the meeting schedule.