Winter storm paralyzes county
Published 9:29 am Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Karen Sanford / The Prentiss Headlight — The hill on Granby Road and old Highway 84 was an icy trap for motorist during the winter storm on Wednesday. Above, men jump on the back bumper of an SUV to help gain traction on the slippery road.
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.”
Karen Sanford / The Prentiss Headlight — The above vehicle overturned after hitting an icy patch on Highway 35 on Wednesday. The Mississippi Highway Patrol, Good Hope and Bassfield Fire Departments were on scene and reported no serious injuries
“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.
