By Michael Pineda
mpineda@cherryroad.com

Winter storm projections began to trend in the wrong direction Thursday morning as snow began to fall in larger amounts than expected.

Carter County announced its offices would be closed Thursday and Friday and the City of Ardmore made the decision to close its offices at noon Thursday and remain closed Friday. The closure came on the heels of a winter storm warning released by the National Weather Service which went into effect until noon Friday. Carter County was among four counties with a prediction of three to seven inches of snow. Slippery road conditions were projected to impact morning and evening commutes.

City Manager Kevin Boatright said street crews have been out working on the main roads and thoroughfares.

“Chances are, whatever gets taken care of today will refreeze this evening,” he said. “Traveling may be worse Friday morning.”

The street department has been split into two shifts working 12 hours each. The main corridors will continue to be their focus. Public Utility Director Sean Geurin told Boatright the landfill has been closed and the dump trucks are dumping their loads. They will not be able to pick up trash Friday because the landfill will still be closed.

Boatright said there had been on reported accident in which a semitruck jackknifed near the entrance to the Lakecrest Casino.

Ardmore Police Captain Claude Henry said there had been one report of a non-injury accident before 11 a.m. Thursday. Henry said the roads were slick and continue to get slicker.

“The street department is doing a really good job to keep them sanded so they are at least passable,” he said. “We want people to stay of the roadways as much as possible. Stay home and stay warm.”