bporterfield@pvdemocrat.com —
Garvin County, along with much of the state and region, got yet another holiday surprise as a winter storm complete with ice, sleet and some snow passed through on Christmas Day.
Much like years past with other Christmas storms this one did its best to dampen the spirit by making it dangerously slick out there for motorists and just about anyone choosing to take a short stroll outside.
Even with the slippery conditions it could have been far worse, according to Garvin County Emergency Management Director Bud Ramming.
“We didn’t get the snow like they had forecast,” Ramming said on Wednesday.
“We did get enough to make the roads pretty slick,” he said. “If they drive with caution and take it slow they can get to and from where they need to be safely.”
As for the major roadways in the county, Ramming said they were for the most part OK one day after the storm. As usual with a storm like this the real slick spots stuck around longer on the smaller side roads making them tough to travel over the past couple of days.
“It’s extremely slick on those side roads so people just need to drive slow and give themselves plenty of distance from other vehicles,” Ramming said.
In the Elmore City area Ramming said there was from one half to an inch of snow, while just about all areas of the county got some freezing rain and sleet.
Once all the winter moisture did arrive on Tuesday there were a number of vehicles reported to have slid off the icy roads in Garvin County. None were believed to have been major accidents, he said.
This storm may be long gone but preparation for its arrival actually started days earlier.
Fire departments in the county and crews in the three county commissioner districts had done things like check generators to make sure they worked if needed.
Plans were also in place to set up emergency shelters throughout the county, which in the end weren’t needed.
“We’re always prepared for anything that could happen,” Ramming said. “Fire departments in the county were on stand by to assist any stranded motorists, and the county commissioners and their people were busy sanding the roads.
“Everybody knew it was coming. Everybody was prepared for it. If it had been worse we would have been ready.”
Even with temperatures warming up just a bit every day and the melting of ice well underway, motorists are still encouraged to use caution, especially at night with the winter cold dipping back down.
“People need to remember that when it does melt it will refreeze at night. They’ve got to look for black ice on the roads. It may look perfectly fine but be real slick and dangerous,” Ramming said.
He encourages motorists driving after dark to not only be cautious but have emergency kits in case they get stranded.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Roads like this one in downtown Pauls Valley have been slick and dangerous the last couple of days after a winter storm dumping some freezing rain, sleet and snow passed through the area on Christmas Day. PV Democrat Photo
Discussion
Chilly surprise again makes holiday visit
- Local News
-
-
Home invasion case gets new pleas
A long prison sentence and a couple of guilty pleas came Monday in the case of a couple of violent Pauls Valley area home invasions dating back to 2010.
-
Storm danger threatens much of state
It’s been a busy few days for emergency officials of all kinds with severe storms, some packing powerful tornadoes, threatening to sweep through various parts of Oklahoma.
-
Pauls Valley Wall Cloud
-
Young Grads with Honors
-
Special athletes get special support
It was special to say the least for a group of Garvin County law enforcement officers to see for themselves what an experience the state Special Olympics meet can be.
-
Derby to roll in all day fun
The tracks and vehicles may be much smaller than a national day at the races, but the fanfare and scale of 2013’s Hot Wheels Double Dog Dare Derby is expecting no less enthusiasm as engines set to fire when it returns to Pauls Valley on Saturday, May 25.
-
Still no answers in creek death
There are still plenty of questions with answers not yet released to the public in the case of a dead body found this week in a Pauls Valley creek bed.
-
New Councilman Swear In
-
Authority close to hospital loan
The next crucial step toward keeping Pauls Valley General Hospital around for the long haul is going to require a bit more waiting, but those involved in securing a lifeline are confident stability is just around the corner.
-
Theft trio leads to one suspect
All signs are pointing to the same man being the one who committed a trio of burglaries described as “smash and grab” thefts, including one right here in Garvin County.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Home invasion case gets new pleas
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
