Local governments across Cowley County reported few significant issues following a weekend winter storm, crediting coordinated public works efforts and improving weather conditions for keeping roads passable and services largely on track.
In Winfield, City Manager Taggart Wall said city crews worked extended hours during the storm to maintain public safety and thanked both city personnel and local nonprofits for their efforts.
“We appreciate the work of all our City personnel that worked extra hours during this winter weather event to ensure the public safety and health of our community,” Wall said, adding that nonprofit organizations also played a key role in supporting residents.
Wall said the city’s three-wave strategy for clearing streets, parks, public lands and parking areas proved effective, with major routes remaining passable throughout the storm. Snow piles are expected to be cleared from U.S. 160 (9th Avenue) later this week, while snow on Main Street is expected to melt by mid-next week. He noted that removing snow from downtown medians requires additional expense and coordination and is reserved for more severe conditions. Continue story below ad.
Wall also addressed regional energy concerns, saying the Southwest Power Pool, the 14-state regional electric grid, experienced tight supply conditions but successfully met peak demand during the storm. The grid operator lifted its Conservative Operations Advisory by midday Monday and returned to normal operations.
On the natural gas side, Wall said the pipeline serving Winfield operated under temporary restrictions during the storm, requiring close monitoring of supply. Those restrictions are expected to end Tuesday. While cold weather drove up natural gas prices, Wall said costs will be blended with other pricing sources and will not approach levels seen during the extreme winter event of 2021.
In Arkansas City, Public Services crews began operating in two 12-hour shifts when the storm arrived Saturday to provide around-the-clock coverage, according to Communication Director Shana Adkisson.
After working streets through Sunday, crews returned early Monday to focus on main corridors before shifting attention to neighborhood streets. Trash collection remains on its normal schedule, though winter conditions may cause minor delays.
Primary routes are in good condition, Adkisson said, but drivers are urged to use caution on side streets, which may take longer to fully clear.
At the county level, Cowley County Emergency Communications Director Doug Allison said dispatch received a small number of calls over the weekend for vehicles sliding off roadways due to snow-covered conditions. No injuries or property damage were reported.
Allison added that the National Weather Service forecast calls for gradually warming temperatures over the next three days, with no additional precipitation expected.