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Some of the main thoroughfares have been cleared, while in many
other areas jackknifed trucks and abandoned vehicles have
complicated the snow removal process.
Snowplows, law enforcement and tow trucks collaborated this
morning, concentrating efforts along the northern section of Lincoln
Parkway between the viaduct and Nicholson Road and along all areas
of Woodlawn Road this morning.
Currently, all roads are snow-packed with drifting and considered
hazardous due to abandoned vehicles in the roadways
Plowing and rescue efforts became extremely dangerous Tuesday
evening just past sunset when wind gusted to 54 mph and visibilities
reached zero. Responses to accidents and stranded motorists became
perilous under the total whiteout conditions. Law enforcement
officers attending accident scenes and stuck motorists reported less
than 5-foot visibility -- vehicles, objects, roadways, flashing
lights and even flares could not be seen.
At that point, it was nearly impossible to find an accident, and
responders were forced to travel less than 5 mph. Tow trucks were
unable to get to vehicles. Plowing and towing operations were
suspended for the night due to zero visibilities.
Calls for assistance continued all evening, but all operations
became extremely complex and slow, with the danger increased due to
obstacles, poor road conditions and visibilities. That was how
yesterday ended.
At the start of today, most county and township roads remained
closed. Storer said that roads would gradually reopen as plowing
resumed. Interstate 55 is open but snow-packed. I-155 is open, but
limited. An area of northern 1250th Avenue in the Epperson Addition
area opened about 8:15 a.m. Most vehicles were removed from the
Lincoln Parkway by 9:30 a.m. and towing efforts are shifting to
other areas.
Plowing continues.
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During the storm over 2,000 locations in surrounding areas
reported loss of power. In southern Logan County, the Chestervale
area lost power. As of Tuesday morning approximately 300 people were
without power in the northern part of the county --
Hartsburg-Armington CILCO area.
The Logan County Emergency Management Agency continues to
recommend that everyone please stay home and avoid routine travel.
If you have to travel, be sure that you have your emergency kit with
you and a full tank of gas. This kit should consist of a blanket,
flashlight, water, snacks, small candle in a metal can, matches or
lighter, and cell phone. Also, if you must travel, be sure to notify
your family and friends and keep in touch with them.
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