Official St. Louis City Roundup: State of Emergency Updates and Public Health Notices

Public Notice: Winter State of Emergency and Weather Service Protocols

Mayor Cara Spencer’s local state of emergency declaration remains active through today, Sunday, February 22, 2026. This declaration was originally issued in response to severe winter weather forecasts predicting significant snow accumulations and dangerously cold temperatures across the region. The order has authorized expanded authority for emergency procurement and the coordination of the Winter Weather Unified Command to ensure public safety and effective snow removal operations.

• Emergency Sheltering: The Department of Human Services confirms that Code Blue Level 4 protocols remain in effect. There are currently over 600 emergency shelter beds available for residents in need of a warm environment, with transportation services active to move individuals to designated warming centers.
• Street Operations: The Street Department has deployed teams of snowplow operators working 12-hour shifts. Over 90,000 gallons of brine have been used to treat arterial and secondary routes, though residential streets remain a secondary priority until major thoroughfares are clear.

Health Advisory: Measles Exposure and Seasonal Illness Update

The City of St. Louis Department of Health, in coordination with state officials, has issued a public health advisory regarding potential measles exposure at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The exposure risk is linked to an out-of-state resident with a confirmed case who traveled through the airport on February 7, 2026. Residents who were at the airport on that date are encouraged to monitor for symptoms such as high fever, cough, and the appearance of a distinctive rash. Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms to contact their healthcare provider by phone before arriving at a clinic.

Furthermore, influenza activity in the metropolitan area is currently classified as high. The Department of Health reports that laboratory-positive cases are increasing and reminds all residents that vaccinations remain the most effective tool for preventing severe illness during this peak respiratory season.

City Services: Neighborhood Planning and Debris Removal

The City of St. Louis is moving forward with the expansion of the PlanSTL neighborhood planning initiative. Residents in Benton Park West, Dutchtown, Gravois Park, Marine Villa, and Mount Pleasant are invited to participate in upcoming community sessions to help shape the future development and zoning of these areas. These sessions aim to establish clear rules for local infrastructure and land use.

Additionally, the city has extended the application deadline for private property assistance related to the tornado recovery effort. The Street Department will continue to remove tornado debris placed by the curb through February 28, 2026. Citizens are advised to ensure all remaining storm-related waste is positioned for pickup before this final deadline.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Citizens are encouraged to participate in the local legislative process through the following scheduled public meetings:

• Poet Laureate Task Force: Monday, February 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. in the Board of Aldermen chambers.
• Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) Regular Session: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
• Budget and Public Employees Committee: Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.