Hundreds of cars trapped on I-24 in Kentucky

[Brent]

Hundreds Stranded on KY Interstate; Entire Region Paralyzed

Staff Report

Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Several Western Kentucky counties have declared States of Emergency and the National Guard is rescuing stranded motorists as the region battles the worst winter storm in a decade.

Travel is nearly impossible except in a few cities like Paducah and Carbondale where snowplows have opened some major streets.

A major developing story is a 40 mile traffic backup on Interstate 24 from Mile Marker 25 in Marshall County to Mile marker 65 in Lyon County. Hundreds of cars are stuck on the highway, some for eight to ten hours. A massive rescue effort is underway. Kentucky National Guard units from Madisonville, Marshall County, Trigg County and Christian County have been mobilized and are evacuating stranded motorists to shelters. They are:

Lyon Co. High School

Kuttawa First Baptist Church

Blue Springs Baptist Church

Many of the cars are running out of gas. Semi drivers are offering refuge for entire families in their trucks. Emergency phone lines are jammed.

Sources tell NewsChannel 6 that the problem started about 3-pm Wednesday when a delivery truck was involved in an accident. As cars waited for the wreck to clear their cars were snowed in.


Drivers say they had no warning of the severity of the problem and they drove into the area becoming trapped. Many complained that they were unable to obtain information from authorities.

[Miss Mary]

We have a family reunion every August in this area. I know just where it is. The situation doesn't sound good. Hope they can get the roads cleared today. Up here in Cincinnati, the roads are in terrible shape. We had ice, then snow, then ice fall yesterday and thru the night. Level 3 emergency posted for Cincy and surrounding counties.

Mary

[Skywatch_NC]

Man alive, WHAT a WALLOP of a winter storm there in the Ohio Valley and elsewhere!!!!

It's always a nightmare when ICE has to come into play!!!

Prayers and warm thoughts with those travelers who are stranded and those affected by power outages!!

Eric