News 18 tours White County in storm

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI) - At 7 p.m. Tuesday, darkness had just hit on State Road 43, just inside the White County line. There was some snow on the road but traffic moved pretty well.

But instead of scores of flashing red lights from wind turbines in the fields, the snow falls so thick, only two are visible.

But that isn't stopping some like Taylor Stirm from having fun on this night.

"We just went and got gas to prepare for tomorrow," Stirm said. "We actually went to Walmart, and picked up some sleds. We're going to see if we can do some sledding for the first time this winter."

As for the road conditions, Stirm said, "Back roads are a little covered but if you keep it nice and under control, it's not too bad."
    
At 8 p.m., it's all quiet at the headquarters of the White County Highway Department in Reynolds. The seven snow plows which have been working will be out on the roads for another hour.

"All roads are snow covered, slick and hazardous," said Sheriff Pat Shafer. "We ask that motorists use extreme care and caution while they are traveling to their destination."

On State Road 24, one snow plow has already found how slick it can be, sliding off County Road 125 East. Shafer said there had been almost 10 slide-offs an hour since 4 p.m.

County Highway Director B.J. Propes said one truck will stay out for emergencies until 2 a.m. Then, a full fleet of 28 plows will start clearing the roads in time for the morning commute.
        
At 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, main county roads like 300 East are clear and vehicles had no problems.

But it's a little more treacherous on 175 South. The wind is really blowing from the north and on east-west roads like County Road 175, the drifting is already obvious.

"We do have drifting on the east-west roads and as the winds pick up we expect drifting to become worse," Shafer said.

At 9:30 p.m., back at the county line, it's still snowing with the wind still blowing.

But for a few hardy residents, this has been a long time coming.

"This is what I have been waiting for to finally get to have it for real," Stirm said.