Historic Winter Storm Cripples Entire County

As predicted by the National Weather Service and local media outlets, a massive winter storm blanketed Wayne County the first part of this week with the worst ice accumulations our area has seen in decades. "Crippling" was the word most frequently used, and the most accurate, when talking about the effects of the ice clinging to all surfaces, including roads, trees, and power lines. TVEC customers began reporting power outages in the early morning hours of Sunday, January 25th, with almost all Wayne County customers being without electricity by Sunday afternoon.

A large percentage of Wayne County's roads were made impassable due to ice-laden limbs, and entire trees, falling and blocking roadways. Wayne County Highway Superintendent Chuck Moser said on Monday, "We have worked all day since 3:30 this morning, roads are still full of trees, some with power lines, phone lines, and fiber optic cable. This is truly a mess."

Mr. Moser stated it very accurately when he said "This is truly a mess." Road crews and electrical crews have been working around the clock in dangerous conditions to make the roads passable again and to restore electrical service to everyone. They have done a spectacular job, and will continue to do so until every customer's power is restored and all roads are driveable once again.

Here are just a few pictures of the beautiful but dangerous ice coating Wayne County this week.