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PATROL ASSISTS IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI ICE STORM RECOVERY
A Canadian cold front pushed into Missouri, Monday, January 26, 2009. The front mixed with Gulf moisture and created hazardous weather conditions. Six fatalities were reported in weather-related traffic crashes statewide. Southern Missouri received from 1/2 to 1” of freezing rain. Other areas had up to 4” of sleet and up to 7” of snow farther north in Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop E area was the hardest hit. In Butler County, 80 percent of the population was without power. In Dunklin County, 450 people were served at five shelters, which were open overnight. Although Kennett, MO, reported some limited power, the rest of Dunklin County reported a 100 percent power outage. Mississippi and New Madrid counties reported power outages of 85 percent and 95 percent, respectively.
As a result of the hazardous weather, the State Emergency Management Agency activated the State Emergency Operations Center. The Missouri National Guard was activated for emergency duty. Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers assisted local jurisdictions, and sent a detail of 20 officers to Mississippi, Pemiscot, and Scott counties. The Missouri Department of Transportation reported 92 road closures. Volunteer organizations such as the United Way, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, etc. immediately responded to the needs of those communities hardest hit.
As usual, Missouri weather changed quickly at the end of the week. On Friday temperatures warmed into the mid 30s, and over the weekend, highs were in the upper 50s throughout much of the state.
Sunrise in the Troop E area after the ice storm.
Ice covered power lines.
Corporal Barry Matthews on Route PP in Butler County. He is assisting with traffic direction for the Butler County Fire Department, who responded to a fire due to ice on power lines causing the lines to arc.
Corporal Shawn Altermatt stops traffic on I-55 in Pemiscot County while a power company works in the background.
Trooper Jeremy Stewart, assisted by a Pemiscot Co deputy, stops traffic on I-55 in Pemiscot County for power crews.
Trooper Chris Hamlett stops traffic on I-57, in New Madrid County as power crews work in the background.
The photos below illustrate some of the power line damage sustained in Dunklin County from the ice storm.
Power crews working along U.S. 412 in Dunklin County to restore power.
Sergeant Reggie Walker talks with children who were living in a Red Cross shelter in Kennett after the ice storm.
