Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 98, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 March 1920 — BLIZZARD TIES UP RAILROADS [ARTICLE]

BLIZZARD TIES UP RAILROADS

Worst Storm of the Winter Raging In Middle Western States BIG DROP IN TEMPERATURE Snow Demoralizes Rail Service——Relief Parties on Snowshoes Atteni|H to Supply Those Marooned. Chicago, March 5. —Reports from tlie West indicate that the worst general storm of tlie winter is In progress. It originated in the mountain states and swept toward tlie middle western states, accompanied by snow and greatly lowered temperature, crippling wire communication and railroad tr#ftie. The disturbance spread south and east with diminished thermometer readings and snow and 'rain. The forecast for the Chicago district, was for rain, snow, strong shifting gales and decidedly colder weather. High winds, drifting snow and a temperature that fell 30 to 40 degrees to zero within a few hours, lsolate4 a number of eastern Colorado and Nebraska towns.

Many States Affected. Sleet and snow preceded the storm developments in Kansas, western Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma! and northern Texas, where almost springlike weather obtained. Weather predictions were that the severe cold In the Rocky mountain and plains states would continue with “Increased intensity,” and temperatures would fall decidedly In the south Atlantic and east gulf states. Storm warnings were ordered displayed on the Texas coast, east gulf coast from Mobile to Carabelle, and on the north Pacific coast. Railroad service In southwestern Colorado, demoralized by snow blockade for several da 1 ?*, virtually was abandoned in some sections when the storm struck. Western Nebraska and southwestern Colorado towns reported the storm was the worst experienced for thirty years. Only one train had entered Durango, Colo., in eleven days and no train had moved at Silverton in thirteen days. Passengers Are Snowbound. Relief parties on snowshoes are attempting to carry supplies to passengers stranded on trains snowbound near Cumbres Pass, Colo. Snow in the La Plata mining district In Colorado was reported twelve to twenty feet deep. Railroads received reports that heavy damage had been done in the mountains by earth and snow slides and by huge bowlders which had toppled over canyon rimrocks to the tracks. Street car service In towns In the storm-swept area was Interrupted or abandoned. Crews with snowplows were attempting to keep clear tracks on railroads running to the west coast through the northern plains and mountain states, but all trains were delayed. I Northwest In Storm Grip. Mitchell, 8. D., Is reported cut off from all railroads. The storm there is continuing with unabated velocity. In the railroad cuts near Mitchell crews are engaged with snowplows, but the fine drifting snow filled up the cuts, paralyzing train service on the St. Paul and Omaha roads.