Travel remains hazardous following 'The Beast' blizzard

Drivers urged to stay alert and prepared

[February 03, 2011]  ^"The Beast," as named by weather forecasters while it was yet forming, for its size -- covering two-thirds of America -- and for its intensity, stamped its mark "666" on Logan County. While the total amount of snow recorded for Lincoln on Tuesday and Wednesday was 12 inches, according to local storm reports 6 inches of snow had fallen in six hours by 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Other areas of the county received more and less snowfall: 9 inches of snow was recorded in Mount Pulaski. According to the National Weather Service, areas west of Interstate 55 were hit hardest by the storm.

But the primary problem everywhere at the peak rage of the storm was the blowing snow and nil visibility it created that rendered travel attempts useless.

Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday morning, the winds howled and rumbled. Gusts were recorded at 53 mph around 6:20 p.m. in Lincoln on Tuesday and did not drop below 20 mph gusts until Wednesday afternoon.

Today, Logan County Emergency Management Agency deputy director Terry Storer urges motorists to remain alert for continued blowing and drifting snow while traveling, and for scattered ice patches, especially when traveling in rural areas. Storer pointed out: "Frozen drifts are not as forgiving."

While much cleanup has been accomplished since Wednesday morning, when plow crews were able to resume, some trouble spots remain. The biggest currently is Route 136. Plows and tow trucks are collaborating today to clear the state route between San Jose and McLean. Numerous semitrailers and stalled vehicles were trapped along the road. It may take a few days before the roadway is clear and safe again.

Reviewing what happened and how far we've come:

• With zero visibilities, all roads became impassible and closed by 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

• Two rescue runs were successfully conducted during the night with plow assistance.

• One medical run was made to southeast Atlanta.

• Eight people stranded between the Armington spur and McLean were picked up at 4:20 a.m.

• By 9 a.m. Wednesday, an estimated 29 rescues were performed in Logan County.

Storer said that several businesses stepped up and offered to support operations as needed. Sysco, Lincoln IGA and Walmart offered food, and Mission Mart and the Salvation Army Store offered blankets, should large-scale sheltering be required.

Also, the American Red Cross and Salvation Army worked together to establish a sheltering plan and all that would be required.

"Fortunately that did not develop. Their support was greatly appreciated," Storer said.

A few people were taken for shelter at Zion Lutheran School, and one family was displaced due to a house fire.

Snowplow crews are continuing to clear away as much snow as possible before it becomes too hard and before the next snowfall.

Going outdoors? Bundle up. Traveling? Be prepared with an emergency kit that minimally includes a blanket, small candle, can and matches, in case you should get stranded.

The NWS is watching another storm that would bring accumulating snow Sunday night through Monday night.

[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]

Local storm report:
http://www.wunderground.com/
US/IL/042.html?MR=1