Snowstorm causes one fatality

Local News

December 29, 2009

Sara Ortega

sortega@weatherforddemocrat.com

The number of accidents and reported calls are still being tallied as local law enforcement begins to recover from the Christmas Eve snowstorm.

“At around 1:30 p.m., visibility was falling and the snow was starting to stick and cause ice,” Senior Trooper Gary Rozzell said. “By 2 p.m. we started working crashes and by 5 o’clock, we were running all the troopers we had.”

The storm is also to blame for at least one fatality in Palo Pinto County.

Joyce Elliot Rickels, 62, of Palo Pinto County, was involved in a five-car accident on Christmas Eve, Rozzell said.

“It started out with just two vehicles, and five ended up in the same accident,” he added.

While there were several serious accidents, Rozzell said the majority of reports were minor.

Deputy Danie Huffman said the Parker County Sheriff’s Office received more than 100 calls within the first hour of the storm.

With forecasters predicting a snow-rain mix for later today, Huffman advises drivers to prepare for the worst.

“Always be prepared. Have plenty of water and gas,” she said. “If you don’t have to be on the roads then don’t. It’s better to miss a shopping trip or visit than to get out and get in an accident. Also keep blankets and hazard cones, if possible.

Rozzell said drivers first need to slow down.

“This storm caught people by surprise because they didn’t prepare,” he added. “One thing is to slow down. We had a lot of crashes due to ice on bridges and over passes. Be prepared for whatever weather and drive accordingly. Slow down first, drive with headlights on and use seat belts.”