2.5 inches of rain, 7 inches of snow add up to a big mess for Whitley County residents this week
(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) Snow covered trees and a blanket of snow over the rural Thorncreek Township landscape look pretty now, but as the seven inches of snow fell late Tuesday, the view was more menacing. Above, a look across the landscape at SR 9 and CR 400 North in Thorncreek Township.
By Jennifer Zartman Romano
The winter season made quite an entrance Tuesday, dressing the community in a heavy drape of white.
According to Cathy Broxon-Ball, director of Whitley County's Emergency Management office, the county received 2.5 inches of rain immediately followed by seven inches of wet, heavy snowfall.
"(We had) more accidents and slide off than we needed, but no serious injuries," Broxon-Ball said.
"The law enforcement, fire departments and the tow truck drivers, along with the dispatchers, were very, very busy from about 6:30 p.m., overnight and again (Wednesday) morning," she said.
The heavy snowfall meant falling limbs and added stress on power lines in the county as well.
"Quite a few people were without power for most of the evening and overnight," said Broxon-Ball. A lack of power meant many residents stayed close to home -- keeping them off the roads and out of harm's way. " Our county was very lucky and there are many residents that stayed home and took care of themselves," she added.
For those who did venture out, it was a white-knuckle night and did not turn out well for some drivers Tuesday evening and early Wednesday with numerous accidents and slide-offs reported. Because of flooding, water covered roadways were an issue on Wednesday and early Thursday as well.
"We had two vehicles in the flood waters last night," Broxon-Ball said. "Two fire departments pulled four adults and a 3-year-old out of the stuck vehicles," she said. Broxon-Ball added that she was not sure of the conditions of those who were involved in the flooded vehicles, but cold was a concern. "Such a shame that people would drive through an area that has road closed high water signs and high water. Scary."
Abandoned vehicles created added concern for officials during and after the storm, particularly when abandoned vehicles were found near flooded areas. When a vehicle is discovered it is difficult for law enforcement officials to determine if the driver and occupants are in trouble or whether they've found another way to travel.
"I understand that people get stuck and have to wait for a tow truck or somebody to help them get out of the ditch, but please call the sheriff department and let them know that you are abondoning your vehicle," stated Broxon-Ball. "Law enforcement and fire department (officials) need to check out each and every vehicle and they spent a lot of time doing this overnight."
Flooded areas of the county remain a concern for officials this evening. Residents are asked to use caution as they travel in rural areas, particularly in areas they are not familiar with as some roads are water covered. If the water is high, you are asked to look for alternative travel routes.