Snowfall could strike again next week

Between Thursday and Friday about 5 inches of snow has dropped on the Portales and Clovis areas, leading to the closure of schools and some businesses and the delay of Cannon Air Force Base personnel until 11 a.m.

The good news is that the worst is over. Now the cities are dealing with cleanup and assessing any damage that occurs as a result of the snow.

link Staff photo: Alisa Boswell

Since school was canceled at Faith Triumphant, Luke Vigil, 11, left, decided to help his dad, Mark, shevel the sidewalk in front of their business Friday morning on Second Street.

In Portales there have been minor accidents but nothing serious.

“We’ve had minor fender benders with people losing control. Because of the low temperature, the roads are really bad, so we are definitely discouraging travel,” Said Portales detective Charlie Smart.

“If they don’t need to be out, stay home. And as usual, it will only get worse due to the cold temperatures at night.”

Curry County Sheriff Wesley Waller said drivers in Clovis are being safe.

“For us, it’s been relatively slow as far as traffic incidents, aside from one minor crash without injuries. Just the universal don’t drive unless you have to, especially after dark. Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Detective Smart also said that in these temperatures it’s very dangerous to leave pets outside. The roads are being cleared of snow but drivers should still be careful and drive at slow speeds.

“It’s pretty much the same old routine,” said John DeSha, public works director for the city of Portales. “We cleaned off Main Street then we out sand and salt out at all the intersections. The water department has been dealing with some small leaks. It’s difficult to predict if we’ll have a major main break, but if we do, we have all the equipment to fix it.”

In Clovis things are largely the same.

“Our road crews have been out plowing since 11 last night,” said Clint Bunch, director of Clovis Public Works. “There have been no major issues, and our sewer infrastructure is doing just fine.”

Temperatures are expected to rise into the low 50’s on Saturday and into the mid 60s Monday through Wednesday. With temperatures rising so rapidly snow will melt very fast leading to possible flooding in the streets of both cities, so even without snow drivers should still be cautious.

The Roosevelt County Sheriff’s office could not be reached for comment.

Weather reports show a gradual warming trend reaching a high of 61 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, another chance of snowfall is predicted, and temperatures will drop to a high of 39.

Snow totals, according to the National Weather Service

Clovis 4

Portales 4

Grady 7

Floyd 5

Arch 5

Ranchvale 4