Residents continue digging out from Friday’s snowfall, which amounted to around 6 to 7 inches in Fairfield, one of the bigger snowfall totals in the area. Friday’s snowfall was the second in less than a week, with a winter storm last Sunday, dropping several inches of snow and some sleet and freezing rain. That was followed by a cold spell, with temperatures remaining below freezing. The current weather forecast is calling for temperatures to mostly remain below freezing until the middle of next week. For those who may be looking for more snowfall, the extended weather forecasts, running through January 24th, are favoring below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation.
Roads in Fairfield remain snow covered as of this morning. The highways are mostly clear. Highways and interstates were covered Friday during the snowfall, and resulted in a semi jackn-knifing on Route 45 at the New Hope curve, blocking the roadway for a time. No injuries were reported. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported one of their trucks was involved in a rear-end crash on I-57 in Jefferson County, injuring an IDOT employee who was taken to the hospital. Motorists are urged to continue driving safely in the region today.
The recent snowfall and ice resulted in White County issuing a formal disaster declaration. White County EMA Director Jim Bolin and County Board Chairwoman Cassie Pigg indicated the declaration was mainly a procedural move, in the event of a major failure.
As far as area rivers this morning, the Little Wabash River east of Fairfield is at 11.59 feet, below the 17-foot flood stage. At Clay City the stage is 6.73 feet, below the 18-foot flood stage. At Carmi the stage is 14.25 feet. Flood stage is 27 feet. The Skillet Fork at Wayne City is at 5.81 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The Wabash at Mt. Carmel is at 8.11 feet, below its 19-foot flood stage, and Bonpas Creek at Browns is at 3.21 feet.
The latest postponements and cancellations can be found on our website on the “Closings and Delays” tab on the left hand side of the home page.
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