It may be spring on the calendar, but Old Man Winter isn’t giving up just yet.
A strong storm system tracked through the state Monday, beginning with a wintry mix that turned to snow in the afternoon. High winds contributed to near
whiteout conditions on the roadways around 3 p.m. that lasted until dinner time.
Dangerous conditions
Barton County Sheriff Brian Bellendir noted that the Barton County Sheriff ’s office was kept busy Monday afternoon with numerous “slide offs” and motor vehicle crashes as dangerous ice and snow moved into the county. He noted that by about 4 p.m., all road surfaces in Barton County were 100% snow-packed with either ice or snow.
Sheriff ’s deputies responded to six vehicles sliding off the roadway that needed assistance and three motor vehicle crashes due to the adverse conditions.
Two of the accidents were property damage only, a third accident resulted in two injured, he said. to near-whiteout conditions, making driving treacherous.
Snowstorm, cold temperatures hit area hard Monday
At about 5:20 p.m. BCSO was dispatched to a reported injury crash just west of Hoisington at the curves on US 281.
Barry Morris, 69, of Pratt, was driving a 2020 Dodge Journey southbound on US 281 when he failed to negotiate the curve.
The vehicle entered the ditch, crossing over the median and striking an embankment on NW 110th Road. The impact vaulted the vehicle over the roadway, to come to rest on the south side.
Morris and a passenger Manell Morris, 66, Pratt, were both transported to Clara Barton Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The BCSO was assisted at the scene by Hoisington EMS and the Hoisington Fire Department.
In Pawnee County, the Pawnee County Sheriff ’s Office reported 10 non-injury “slide-off ” crashes Monday due to weather conditions in the county beginning at 3:31 p.m., with one involving two vehicles.
The PCSO also reported a motorist assist on U.S. 56 at 6:58 p.m.
Snow and cold bring closures, delays Snow continued to fall lightly into the evening, bringing scattered accumulations up to 3 inches in the Golden Belt. Tuesday’s morning chill in the teens brought closings and delays with icy roadway conditions.
The Great Bend USD 428 school district was closed for the day Tuesday, while surrounding schools from USD 112 in Claflin to USD 395 in La Crosse were delayed two hours.
In Great Bend, Tuesday’s closings included the Great Bend Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, general public transportation and the Great Bend Public Library.
Wednesday was expected to be warmer, with some possibility of scattered rain showers diminishing as the month of March comes to an end.
