Winter storm Heather plunges into Marshall County
Winter storm Heather plunged through the south, bringing 7-8 inches of sleet and snow to Marshall County. Temperatures plummeted to single digits by Monday evening. Holly Springs saw temps dip down to one degree, with the windchill being in the negative numbers.
The area was notified of the winter storm Wednesday, Jan. 10. Carlisle’s Cash Saver, Walmart, Tractor Supply, Reeds, Booker Hardware, and many other stores were busy with customers preparing for the storm through Sunday evening.
As the snow fell Sunday night, I was planning how to get to work without getting stuck in the snow. The newspaper must go out regardless of the weather. I was thankful my car would be parked in the carport to keep the snow from accumulating on it. As I watched the snow fall late Sunday night, I wondered how something so beautiful could cause so much chaos for those driving to and from work for the next couple of days.
No vehicles were on the road Monday morning as I drove to work. My co-worker, Barbara Taylor, arrived at the office, and we worked diligently to finish the Pigeon Roost News and The South Reporter.
As we worked, the snow kept falling all day. I decided to go out and get some photos of people possibly sledding and making snowmen. With temperatures dropping, many chose to stay indoors where it was warm. I passed a few trucks as I drove to Hill Crest Cemetery to see if anyone decided to get out and go sledding. The worst possible situation then occurred. I got stuck. I tried every way possible to get my car unstuck. I finally decided there was nothing I could do. As I thought about walking back to the office in the frigid temps, I began to pray someone would drive by and see me stranded.
I looked up and in the distance, I saw a Ford F-150 truck. I stepped out of my vehicle and waved desperately to flag them down. Thankfully, they saw me and came to my rescue.
Amanda Bryner, Katelyn Kennedy, and Andrew Holbrook were first out of the truck as William Bryner got some towing straps to connect to my car. They assured me that they could help me.
Getting my car to a place where I could drive took some time and teamwork, but it they efforts helped me get back on the road. I will be forever thankful for their efforts in helping me. You can see their picture on page 5 of today’s edition (Click Here).
I returned to the office, where it was warm. I have often driven in the snow and never got stuck or had problems. The saying, “Never say Never,” comes to my mind after this experience.
Keep all those who must go to work or check on family members in our prayers. I’m afraid the snow will be here for several days and maybe through the weekend if temperatures don’t get above freezing. If you must drive back and forth to work on snow/icy roads, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has a car kit checklist on its website. The checklist consists of a windshield scraper, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, first aid kit, cell phone charger, water/snacks, emergency flares, and reflectors. Everyone be safe.