By Andrew Knittle
Although countless streets are still covered with the remains of the Christmas Eve blizzard, city staff is working 24 hours a day to clear as much snow and ice off the roadways as possible, Public Works Director Shawn O'Leary said Monday.
Further complicating things, more snow -- up to three inches -- is forecast for this afternoon, O'Leary said.
O'Leary said crews began working around the clock last Wednesday to prepare for and clear the snow, which he said was more than the city -- or any city in the state, for that matter -- could handle. He said the city has seven plows and two graders working the streets without stop and that workers from the parks and utilities departments are helping city street crews.
The city had no idea the snowfall was going to be one for the ages, O'Leary said.
"We watched it closely, as we always do," he said, referring to the Dec. 24 blizzard. "We knew there was going to be something, but we didn't expect anything like what we got around here.
"We have a snow and ice plan in place, but nothing designed for this kind of event."
Several inches of snow fell around Norman, with some drifts piling more than six feet high. Numerous abandoned cars and trucks littered the city, making plowing more difficult for city crews.
O'Leary said his staff has pretty much cleared principle traffic streets, like Robinson and Lindsey streets, but that most side streets and secondary routes have yet to receive attention.
"Obviously we're limited as to what we can get to, but we'll get to those side streets and secondary routes as best we can," he said.
City crews, along with assistance from Cleveland County, the Norman Police Department and Norman Fire Department, will continue to do all they can as another round of snow approaches the city this afternoon, O'Leary said.
"We're expecting two to three inches," he said. "And we think it's going to hit (this afternoon)."
If you have a street blocked with snow or have a plowing request, call the city's street division at 321-1600.
Andrew Knittle 366-3540 aknittle@normantranscript.com
