First big snowfall of the season causes complications in Grant County
By Logan Bagett on Friday, November 15th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories
GRANT COUNTY – November 15th, 2024 is the day the snow arrived in Grant County. The morning started off with power outages in Prairie City, reported accidents and slide-offs on multiple highways, school delays, and more. One KJDY listener reported 18 inches of snow at their place in Seneca.
Power was restored in Prairie City around 8 a.m. According to OTEC’s Outage Map, 82 customers in Grant County still were without power as of about 9:20 a.m. (see image below):
School has been delayed until 10 a.m. at Prairie City Schools.
A portion of NW 3rd Avenue is closed in John Day due to a phone line being down. The street is closed between the intersection with Main Street, near Les Schwab, and the intersection with Canton. The street is closed to all through traffic until work is complete. Other phone lines are reported down in the area, including one that is sagging on Highway 395C. Report all downed lines to the Grant County Dispatch Center by dialing 575-0195 or 9-1-1.
Multiple accidents have been reported on our Grant County highways. Incidents are showing up on ODOT’s TripCheck.com near Beech Creek, Long Creek Mountain and Meadowbrook Summit on Highway 395B; south of Silvies, and, also, near Devine Summit on 395C. Another incident is reported on Highway 26 west of Unity.
If your trips can’t be delayed and you must be on the road during these winter storms, ODOT Region 5 Public Information Officer Vicki Moles has suggestions for getting prepared:
“Before you travel, yourself be prepared. Put together a kit to keep in your car. Any tools you might need to maintain your vehicle is handy; tire chains or other traction devices; extra clothes; a blanket; a flashlight; first aid kit; extra food and water—especially if you have children, make sure they’ve got snacks.”
In addition, make sure your vehicle is prepared with proper tires for the conditions, more than enough fuel, and working lights all around.
Stay safe, stay posted, and stay tuned to KJDY and News102 on the radio for updates.
