Snow & Frigid Temps Wreak Havoc On Roadways
COLLIN COUNTY (CBS 11 NEWS) - Snowfall, that began to pick up speed just as thousands of people headed out into it, caused headaches for commuters and congested roadways in Collin County.
City officials weren't expecting more than ½ inch to 1 inch of accumulation, but since totals reached 2" in some places and temperatures stayed frigid temperatures it was enough to cause slick spots on streets and lots crashes.
"Especially on exit ramps. We saw one truck that hit a city road sign that went through the windshield. It was really bad," said Holly Batdorf.
Holly and her husband drove from McKinney to Plano for lunch. The trek is usually a 20-minute drive, but Thursday it took nearly an hour.
Clyde Stephens was in Richardson when his pickup stalled in the rush hour backup. He had no choice but to walk to his wife's office in Allen. He expected the trip to take hours.
"It [truck] started sliding and spinning. I kept trying to get it in gear and I guess it made the transmission go all the way out," Stephens said of his vehicle issues.
Twelve sand trucks were dispatched to create traction on the roadways. One frequent problem: police say drivers would go the normal rate of speed on the mostly dry, main thoroughfares. But when they turned onto side streets or driveways they'd hit ice patches and spin out.
The Plano Police Department dispatched officers to 127 crashes between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., including multiple accidents along Spring Creek Parkway. Police did not report any serious injuries from the accidents, but are concerned with the Friday morning rush hour, and possible freezing Thursday night.
Because of the weather conditions, Plano officials rescheduled the Mayor's State of the City. It was originally scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday.
Plano ISD cancelled evening events Thursday, but school is still scheduled for normal start on Friday. If the weather warrants a change, school district officials will make a decision by 6 a.m.
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