This storm also hit New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, and Oklahoma. 10 foot snow drifts were reported in Colorado. Everything in the affected area of Texas (mostly the Panhandle) was shut down. Some of Texas and Oklahoma even remained closed until late Wednesday. This is largely due to the fact that they don’t often receive snow so they don’t have sufficient (or any) great methods for snow removal. Many people were also getting in car accidents or ending up in ditches because of the lack of experience in driving in such icy and showy conditions.
At least 40 people were left stranded at an Oklahoma motel because the blowing snow had created drifts of two to three foot high on the main road. It was even reported that some people couldn’t even get out of their houses.
After some drifts of about 5 feet high were cleared, many roadways and interstates in New Mexico, Texas, and Kansas were able to re-open on Tuesday.
The storm was said to be blamed for at least six deaths. “Four people were killed when their vehicle collided with a pickup truck in part of eastern New Mexico where blizzard-like conditions are rare, and a prison guard and inmate died when a prison van crashed on an icy road in eastern Colorado.” (Boston News)
The surprising part of it is that many of these areas were enjoying 60 degree weather just 24 hours earlier. It’s shocking that the storm had come so quick, turning roads into ice and visibility down to zero.
The snowstorm had tapered off after hitting these regions as it moved towards the Great Lakes. Here in Iowa, we received some snowfall in the afternoon but nothing significant. This is because the storm had begun to die off after it showed its worst.
Although the storm had been quite fatal it was good news to hear that they were able to begin traveling again be Wednesday at the latest.
Is Iowa going to keep being avoided from these storms all winter? Or are we going to get hit in the near future? I’m real hoping that the next storm gets to us.
I do not like that storms kill and trap people. That part of winter I don’t just simply oversee but I do try to focus on the beauty of the snow. It is unfortunate when people lose their lives so I do hope everyone has safe holiday travels this winter season.
My daughter spent a good deal of time in the days leading up to Christmas bemoaning the lack of snow. "It doesn't feel like Christmas Eve," she said. I sympathized, but it's hard to be disappointed when you'd be the one shoveling.
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