Sunny skies and a 50-degree temperatures were welcomed this week after eight inches of snow fell and temperatures dipped into the single digits across Clarksdale last week and activities throughout the community were shut down.
The weather had an impact on businesses, government and transportation across the Delta, but Clarksdale appeared not that much worse for wear this week.
The city was still under a boil water order went into effect, law enforcement officers continued lending helping hands to citizens and closed schools had to make adjustments.
Clarksdale Public Utilities general manager Curtis Boschert issued a boil water order Wednesday, Feb. 17, but said Monday he hoped it would be lifted sometime Wednesday and it was.
“We had a loss of pressure throughout the system because of one, the freeze,” he said. “We had several wells that were out of commission because of the freeze. We had a bad leak at one of our wells, so we were unable to get the pressure back up so people were using a lot of water. They were letting pipes and faucets drip.
“There was a high demand on the system,” he explained. “We had a reduced number of wells, which caused the pressure to drop.”
Boschert said there was potential for contamination. He noted he did not have any evidence of that, but the boil water notice went into effect as a precautionary measure.
Boschert said the pressure increased on Monday.
“We got all our wells back in service,” Boschert said.
Boschert said samples were taken to Jackson on Tuesday.
“I’m proud of the work that our employees have done to keep the electricity on and to keep the water going back to where we need it to be.”
“I think everybody’s tried to keep everybody informed what’s going on. Where they can help, there has been help. I would say all entities have worked together for the public interest.”
He said, as the weather improved throughout the weekend, the pressure improved.
Ice was spread throughout Coahoma County a few days before the six inches of snow fell. While the ice caused some power outages, the same problems did not occur from the snow.
“We didn’t have any electrical issues because of the cold weather,” Boschert said.
Helping those in need
While city and county employees along with volunteers cleaned up the streets filled with snow, the Clarksdale Police Department and Coahoma County Sheriff’s Office provided rides to places to keep citizens from driving in adverse weather conditions.
Clarksdale Police Chief Sandra Williams and Coahoma County Sheriff Charles Jones said there were not any major accidents as a result of the weather.
Williams said the city received 447 calls and reported nine accidents, none major and no serious injuries.
“I think we had such success because the majority of the people stayed home for their safety,” Williams said. “Then, the people that did have to get out and take care of errands, a few people slid off the road. So we did help a few people that were stranded get back on the road and get back on their way. But, as far as I know, there was nothing tragic, nothing major as far as vehicles.”
Jones said there were cars stuck in ditches as a result of the snow.
“We had a few cars we had to get out of ditches and assist people and basically try to help get employees to and from work,” he said. “It was very rewarding to see our deputies out helping people, assisting people. That’s what we did all week.”
Areas of danger while snow was on the ground varied in the city and county.
“I knew one area that posed a problem was at (Highway) 49 and Sasse (Street) because there was an incline there,” Williams said. “So any areas that may have a slight incline or the back streets where there was not a lot of travel (posed problems). I think the main streets stayed in a way where people could travel.”
Williams said the city had machinery out clearing the streets.
“The roads that were less traveled were the worst roads,” Jones said. “Those roads that are less traveled in the County, those roads were pretty bad.”
Jones said Highway 1 was an example of that type of road.
Water and masks
The police department and fire department gave away free water and masks at the city auditorium Monday once the snow was in the past.
“I think that it’s going really well,” Williams said.
Williams mentioned the help came during the boil water notice.
“I don’t think it could have been a better operation,” she said.
“I would also like to add that the officers with the Clarksdale Police Department did an outstanding job in helping the citizens in our community with courtesy rides. We were able to take people to and from work whether they were city employees, employees that worked at the hospital or with Delta Manor and with anyone that needed assistance to get to their places of employment.”
Jones expressed similar sentiments about his department.
“We always try to lend a helping hand,” he said. “Whatever is going on in the community, the Sheriff’s office, we never say no. We’re always here to volunteer our services. My guys enjoyed doing it. I enjoyed doing it. They love giving back. This is one of the ways we give back.”
In the classroom
Lee Academy closed the school beginning Friday, Feb. 12 and reopened Monday.
While there was not virtual learning during that time, there is a possibility those days will not have to be made up.
“We are not doing virtual learning at this time” said Head of School Rone Walker last week. “We have been blessed to be in school all year. We are working with the MAIS regarding having these days waived.”
Safety motivated the decision.
“The roads are not safe to travel as of today,” said Walker during the closure. “Hopefully this will all melt before Monday. We are making decisions based on weather forecasts and personally driving the roads. We are also listening to local emergency management and law enforcement.”
The school was able to reopen Monday.
