The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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  • Jim Wright clears snow and ice from the sidewalks in front of his Farmers Insurance Group Agency office Thursday. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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February 21, 2013

Winter storm leaves extra work for city

By Phyllis Zorn, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID, Okla. — A winter storm that descended on the area this week meant extra work for city public works employees.

Public works employees went out Wednesday night to salt streets, so snow that fell overnight would grade off the streets more thoroughly Thursday.

Steve Kime, director of public relations for the city of Enid, said surface temperature, air temperature and volume of snowfall all factor into the decision of when snow removal equipment is sent to Enid streets.

Emergency management observations factor into the decision as well, Kime said.

“Enid and Garfield County Emergency Management does a great job of watching the weather, and does a great job of keeping us updated,” Kime said.

As of Thursday morning, the city had six trucks working to clear the streets, said Robinson Camp, deputy director of public works.

“Currently, we have three salt/sand trucks running and three graders running 24/7 until all the roads are graded,” Camp said Thursday. “The salt/sand trucks also have grading capabilities as well. The reason why we did not grade last night was due to the freezing temperatures, and grading would not have done the road any good because it would not have come off the streets.

“We did, however, salt last night, so when the temperatures rose the baseline would melt and allow for better grading. This morning, all grading has been done and will continue until the street are cleared.”

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