Winter storm paralyzes county
Published 9:29 am Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Most county residents heeded the Tuesday warning of emergency personnel to stay off the roads during last week’s winter storm. But Wednesday was a different story.
As people ventured out to see the snowy sights, roadways were filled with motorists sliding sideways over thick ice. Stranded motorists relied on good neighbors with 4-wheel drive.
Governor Phil Bryant declared all of south Mississippi a state of emergency with schools and businesses remaining closed for three days.
“Wednesday is when we had the wrecks,” said Corky Holliman, District One Supervisor. “We put out sand and slag on Monday, and then it froze over. Then we had to put it out again repeatedly on Wednesday and Thursday.”
“I still had frozen spots on the road on Friday,” said District Two Supervisor Charles Reid.
Even supervisors were not spared as District Three Supervisor John Thompson recounted being stranded and calling for help on a steep hill on Highway 42 just outside Bassfield.
The forecast calls for scattered showers and more cold temperatures in the coming week, but even after winter ends, work will continue for road personnel as potholes will be the next challenge.