Ameren is using a large crane this afternoon to replace the main transformer at its substation on North Briegel Street in Columbia following a four-hour-long power outage last night that affected many Columbia residents. Power was restored to most Ameren customers between midnight and 1 a.m. Tuesday. The outage occurred around 8:30 p.m. Monday.

Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson wished to alert the community about the transformer replacement currently taking place. Ameren said it is not expecting an interruption in electrical service while this work is being conducted, but there is still a chance it could occur.

Other weather related news…
City utility workers were called to First Baptist Church in Waterloo around noon Tuesday for a water line break that apparently caused damage to part of the roof. A broken water pipe at a home in the 800 block of Grand Prairie Drive due to freezing was also reported Tuesday afternoon.

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