As forecasted, a severe winter storm blew into the area last Friday evening, bringing with it freezing temperatures and a wintry mix of sleet and snow. Saturday morning, people awoke to a winter wonderland with icicles hanging from rooflines and three to four inches of ice covering the ground.
For some, the storm meant cozying up to the fire with mugs of hot chocolate after having slid down the local hill on an inner tube or makeshift sled. For others, the storm was a recipe for disaster.
As sleet and snow continued throughout the weekend, the weight of the accumulation on rooftops began causing collapse of metal buildings and carports as well as the sinking and collapse of several boat slips at Lake Texoma.
As Chief Meteorologist Mandy Bailey explained, “Only a quarter-inch of ice on a 30-foot-wide tree results in over 3,500 pounds of ice. When you add several inches of sleet on top of the ice and increase the surface area all that ice and winter mess is sitting on, the weight on those roofs, docks and other flat surfaces continues to climb.”
Among those affected by roof collapse were Whitesboro’s Holiday Ford, who reported a partial building collapse on Jan. 25 (luckily nobody was injured); Whitesboro’s Enderby Gas, whose awning over the gas pumps collapsed under the weight of the ice and snow; North Central Texas College Equine Center (again, no people or animals were harmed); Frank Buck Zoo’s hay enclosure; and the Texoma Exposition and Livestock Show (TELS) grounds, whose annual Grayson County Youth Livestock Show is scheduled to take place March 2-6.
“Like many businesses and Ag families, our show grounds have been impacted by the ice storm,” TELS posted on social media. “The TELS Board is already discussing options and will share any changes as we determine the best solution. We have the most amazing community and an incredible support system for the youth of Grayson County! 34 days… The Show must go on!”
In addition to structure collapse, the winter storm also caused some power and water issues. On Jan. 24, City of Whitesboro crew members repaired a downed electric pole and the City of Collinsville reported that the east side of town was without power. (Just 30 minutes after the announcement, power was restored.)
On Jan. 27, a 6 inch water line sprung a leak at Church and West South Street in Whitesboro. Crews were up to their chests in frigid water trying to resolve the issue.
The storm also resulted in several area fires and vehicle accidents, which Whitesboro and Collinsville Fire Departments were called to address.
Continued icy conditions into the week caused local businesses to remain closed and (as of press time) Whitesboro, S&S and Collinsville school districts canceled class for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Grayson County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is asking residents of Grayson County to report winter storm-related damage online at damage.tdem.texas.gov (after contacting one’s insurance company). After following the link, click on “January 22nd – Winter Weather.” This will help the OEM accurately assess the damage these winter storms have caused to the community and will help to define next steps.
