Last weeks’ snow and below freezing temperatures created the perfect storm for vehicle accidents and traffic issues.
As snow started falling Jan. 21, so did temperatures, and before long the precipitation started sticking to the streets. The actual accumulation has been reported as between two and four inches, depending on the different areas in the county.
Icing on the roads, however, was consistent across Jones County when the sun came up Jan. 22. By the afternoon, the sun had done its job in many areas but left icy patches on shady spots and bridges.
Needless to say, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, Gray Police Department, city and county public works and water departments were kept busy responding to calls for help.
According to records from the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, weather- related accident reports started coming in at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 and continued through the next approximately 48 hours, with officers responding to more than 20 accident calls reported. Highway 18 and Gray Highway were popular spots.
As expected, many of the calls were about cars in ditches after the drivers lost control. Thankfully, most of the calls were accidents without injuries. A call received just after 8 p.m. reported not only a car in a ditch on Graham Road but that a tree was on top of it. The driver was able to get out of the car on his own.
In more than one area, 18-wheelers caused traffic issues when trying to make it up hills on icy roads. Delays resulted due to the equipment needed to assist the large trucks.
That included a jackknifed tractor trailer at Highway 18 and Highway 49 at 11 a.m. Jan. 23.
An overturned vehicle on Highway 18 and Walnut Creek about 4:30 p.m. Jan. 22 was one of the calls that required the assistance of Jones County Rescue.
Law enforcement was not only concerned with accidents. The JCSO Facebook page put out updates about road conditions and school closings to assist the community.
The sheriff also posted a reminder for people to consider homebound residents and offered their help.
“Whether it’s picking up a prescription or helping deliver groceries, please do not hesitate to give us a call.”
