By Bonnie Culverhouse
As of mid-morning, the world was white in Webster Parish but still lit up by power.
Minden Mayor Nick Cox said that “considering everything,” things were going quite well.
“Our power has held; we had one little isolated outage because a tree trimmer clipped it with his truck,” Cox said. “The lines have a little accumulation, but they have no strain.The trees look fine. We’re in really good shape for the moment.”
Cox and Public Service Director Tyler Wallace were riding Minden’s streets around 10:30 a.m.
“We’re checking for problems, obviously, but the police are about the only people you’ll see out,” he added.
Cox said he doesn’t believe the storm was “underrated” in any way and “we’ve been blessed so far.”
City trucks have been out every day with sand and salt; however, the mayor believes it’s still best for people to stay home.
In Minden, the following streets are closed due to dangerous driving conditions:
1. Bayou Avenue (High Street to Miller Street)
2.Fort Street (Hardy to Britt Street )
3. Miller Street ( Main Street to 290 Miller Street))
4. Goodwill ( Pine Street to Bayou Average)
5. Recreation Drive
Schools will be closed Monday and Tuesday, as will many businesses, including Minden City Hall.
Minden has opened a warming center at the Forestry Building by the Webster Parish Fairgrounds, 800 Goodwill Street.
This is a warming center only (no food will be provided). The Minden Police Department will provide 24/7 security.
“If we need it, we will open another one,” said the mayor, “but right now I believe there are only three persons there.”
Details and forecast for weather
By Jerry Strahan
Let’s start out with January 24. Springhill had a low temperature of 23 degrees F. Minden had a low of 26 F. Springhill had a high of 25 F and Minden was at 30 F.
This was due to the powerful arctic blast coming through Webster Parish. At around 7 a.m., the first hint of winter precipitation was a couple of snow flurries and some sleet.
All of the information was pointing to a serious ice storm. I am so glad we didn’t get that amount of freezing rain.
Speaking of freezing rain, rain doesn’t fall as freezing rain, it’s freezing rain when sticks to items, high lines, trees etc.
I check my rain gauge every 24 hours ending at 7 a.m.
I use the old fashioned way to get a measurable precipitation.
In Springhill, I recorded 1.18 inches of rain. Calculate that, it comes to roughly 2.55 inches on the ground.
Did get out your cold weather gear? This coming week is going to feel like Siberia.
The lows will be from 10 F to 14 F. The highs will struggle to reach the upper 20s and 30s.
I will keep an eye on the upcoming week and I’ll let y’all know what to expect.
