LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
The Arctic outbreak, dubbed Winter Storm Blair by the Weather Channel, brought snow to Edgar County and surrounding areas on Jan. 5 and Jan. 6.
The storm forced severe winter weather warnings across the continent, from Illinois to New Jersey. Some areas received up to 16 inches, others found the additional gift of freezing rain and ice, blustery winds and frigid temperatures. Paris, Chrisman, Kansas and the surrounding areas were no exception.
At 7 p.m. on Jan. 5, the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department issued a public statement on its social media profiles.
“If you must be out in this weather please be prepared with plenty of fuel and the necessary items in your vehicle. And allow plenty of travel time,” the post said. “If you see vehicles off in the ditch or stranded on the side of the road with plastic tape or caution tape tied to them, that is to indicate the vehicle has been checked by law enforcement for occupants.”
In Paris, city workers also warned motorists to use caution when traveling and to be mindful of street equipment.
“I like to remind people (to) give us (plows) room, stay back,” Chris Redman, Superintendent of Streets, Alleys and Parks told a Prairie Press reporter the morning of Jan. 6. “We’ve been working all day (Sunday), yesterday and last night, and we’ll be out all day again today (Monday) … We’re starting to get ahold of it (snow).”
According to Redman, the snow blanketing the streets and yards across Paris is a “dry snow.” The fine nature of the snow combined with Sunday’s winds led to lots of large drifts, creating additional dangers on roads, especially near rural addresses.
While dozens of Edgar County businesses closed their doors for the day, and multiple schools created plans for snow days and online learning for Jan. 7, others continued to serve the community.
Doctors, nurses and staff at Horizon Health, as well as first responders and EMS personnel, worked to ensure all members of the community remained healthy. Staff at the United States Post Office delivered mail despite the dangerous conditions and city employees were on the streets at the crack of dawn clearing roads and driveways.
Additional closures are expected for Tuesday, Jan. 7. Visit prairiepress.net or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, closures and cancellations.