Wintry Blast Snarls Traffic, Closes Schools
Last updated Wednesday, January 31, 2007 6:10 PM CST in News
By THE MORNING NEWS
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Temperatures hovered in the teens and low 20s Wednesday as the first winter snow storm of the season rolled through Northwest Arkansas, closing schools and making roadways hazardous.
The outlook for today isn't much better, according to the National Weather Service. The light snow may continue until 6 p.m. and temperatures are expected to remain below freezing.
Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department crews worked throughout the night sanding roads and plowing snow in an effort to keep highways open, said David Nilles, public information officer.
Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville street employees planned on spending most of the night Wednesday and early this morning sanding the major intersections and roadways, city representatives said.
Area schools, including Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale and Bentonville are closed today because of the icy road conditions. School officials made the decision to close school Wednesday afternoon.
Many area residents took the wintry blast of snow and frigid air in stride Wednesday afternoon.
Mike Jeffcoat Jr. of Rogers was out driving with his friend Curtis Wilson, checking on some rental houses and decided to pull into Townzen's Barber Shop and get his hair cut.
They had no problems driving around town in their four-wheel-drive truck but they saw four different vehicle pileups, Jeffcoat said.
"I'm always here," Gary Townzen said. He added that he's never missed a day of work because of weather.
Prepping for his daughter's 13th birthday, Brete Garland said he was picking up a few things at the Marvin's IGA store in Fayetteville. In case the family is stuck at home today, he purchased a few extra items.
"We'll grab some margarita mix and settle in," Garland joked as his younger daughter, Ella Claire, 5, scampered below the shopping cart.
Ella Claire's mother, Camille Garland, said the snow did not inconvenience her Wednesday afternoon.
"I took off work early, before we had to pick her up," she said, pointing at Ella Claire.
While some area residents were dealing with the snow, others were having problems Wednesday.
Arkansas State Police worked several accidents along Interstate 540 in Benton and Washington counties Wednesday afternoon.
Hundreds of cars slid off Bella Vista roads Wednesday afternoon, but there were no injuries requiring transport to area hospitals, said Jim Wozniak, chief of the Bella Vista Police Department.
At least 100 cars have gone off the roads "and they're still going in," Wozniak said. "It's a zoo."
Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport had two flight delays on Wednesday afternoon, said Mark Mellinger, assistant airport director. He added that airport officials don't foresee any problem for flights today.
"We've gotten a lot more snow in the past," Mellinger said. "Shouldn't be a problem."
Most city, county, state and federal offices closed early Wednesday afternoon.
Many public and private offices may open late or remained closed today. Residents should call first before venturing out to keep appointments.
The Morning News' Melissa Blakely, Lori Harrison Stone, James Bowie, Lana Flowers, Richard Dean Prudenti, Dug Begley, Rose Ann Pierce and Christopher Spencer contributed to this report.
At a glance
Life-Saving Tips For Winter Storms
Things you can do, and items to have ready:
At Home:
* A flashlight and extra batteries.
* Portable Radio to receive emergency information.
* Extra food and water.
* Extra medicine and baby items.
* Emergency heat source: Fireplace, wood stove or space heater.
* Fire extinguisher and smoke alarm.
* Bring pets indoors or provide a dry shelter out of the wind. Make sure pets have fresh water and food.
Vehicles:
* Keep gas tank nearly full to avoid ice forming in the tank or fuel lines.
* Avoid traveling alone.
* Carry a winter storm kit with batteries, mobile phone charger, first-aid kit, non-perishable food, extra clothing, sack of sand or cat litter for traction, windshield scraper and brush, road maps and battery booster cables.
Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Red Cross
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Fast Facts
What to do If Caught in a Winter Storm:
Outside:
* Try to stay dry.
* Cover all exposed body parts. Half your body heat can be lost from the head.
In a Vehicle:
* Stay in the vehicle and run the motor for 10 minutes every hour for heat. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked and open the window a little to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Be visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a colored cloth to your antenna or door.
* Exercise from time to time to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
Inside a Residence:
* If the home has no heat, close off unneeded rooms.
* Stuff towels or rags in cracks under the doors.
* Cover windows at night.
* Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating or chills from perspiration.
Source: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the American Red Cross
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There wrote on Feb 1, 2007 11:54 AM:
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