SE Kansas City News

The City of Independence has announced closures and operational adjustments in response to the winter storm forecasted for February 18, 2025. The Palmer Center, Sermon Center, Truman Memorial Building, and George Owens Nature Park will remain closed on that day. However, City Hall will operate with limited staffing.

Street crews are prioritizing primary roads first for snow removal. "City streets snow removal happens in three stages," stated the city's announcement. These stages include priorities, secondaries, and residential streets.

Municipal Services staff will monitor weather conditions across the city as the storm approaches. Crews will be on standby to treat streets as necessary once precipitation begins. "As long as snow is accumulating crews will remain on priority routes until all driving and turn lanes are plowed and treated."

After addressing priority routes, attention will shift to secondary streets. These areas are made passable but may still have some snow remaining. It typically takes 12 to 24 hours after snowfall stops to clear all routes unless extreme conditions prolong this timeframe.

Residents are encouraged not to park vehicles on streets during snowfall events or at least park on one side of the street if necessary. Snow removal shifts operate around the clock during storms with alternating 12-hour shifts.

Concerns about snow removal can be reported via the SNOW Line at 816-325-SNOW. Additionally, residents can track snow event progress using the Snow Event Tracker provided by the city.

Some roads in Independence are maintained by MoDOT including I-70 and M-291 Hwy among others. Residents should use MoDOT's Traveler Information Map for updates on these roadways.

The city advises residents to stay home during severe weather conditions if possible, both for personal safety and to assist road crews working during storms. Precautions against frozen pipes are also recommended as temperatures drop.

Independence Power & Light (IPL) is prepared for potential power outages with crews ready to respond. Outages can be reported by calling IPL at (816) 325-7550.

Paratransit and IRIS services might experience delays or suspensions depending on road conditions. For those needing shelter from cold temperatures, warming centers like Eastern Jackson County Drop-In Center offer services temporarily.

Residents should manage their driveways by shoveling an open area along shoulders at entrances to minimize driveway blockages from plows pushing snow back onto cleared areas.

For updates on winter storm progressions or other related information such as power outages or pothole reporting details, citizens are encouraged to follow local social media channels and official communication platforms operated by the City of Independence.