MONTANA – Lewistown faced significant challenges over the weekend as more than two feet of snow blanketed the area. The intense winter weather created difficulties for residents and emergency responders alike.
Police Chief Justin Jenness described the storm as one of the worst he has seen in his sixteen years of service in Lewistown. The heavy snowfall made it extremely difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate, even with chains and four-wheel drive.
The city had to implement an emergency travel-only policy for residents during the storm, which has since been lifted. However, many roads remain challenging to travel on, according to Chief Jenness.
“Travel impacts for local residents has been huge, we still have areas of town that are impassible,” he said. “Which has made it difficult because people get anxious and want to get out of their homes. And people who are just trying to leave their homes and drive down the road are getting stuck.”
Public works crews are focusing on clearing emergency routes and main thoroughfares first. Meanwhile, Lewistown officers are patrolling roadways and assisting elderly and disabled residents by clearing their driveways. Officers are also prepared to assist on foot in areas where snow restricts vehicle access.
As some snow begins to thaw, Chief Jenness encourages residents to use the warmer weather to prepare for potential future storms.
“Make sure you have enough food and water, candles and warm blankets in your home that if you do have to shelter in place for two to three days that you have the necessities to be able to do that,” he advised. “I would encourage people now that today and tomorrow are warm days to get outside and make sure your vents are cleared make sure you don’t have any worries of carbon monoxide buildup in your home being unable to escape. I would encourage people to just prepare for the worst and hope for the best. And our officers are standby throughout the city to help wherever we can.”
Residents are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the winter season continues.
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