Hell Storm

In the almost 4 years we've lived here we've seen some doozy snowstorms, but nothing comparable to what we've seen in the last three hours tonight. It all started around 8:30 p.m. First it was a pick-up truck, it got stuck out on the main road, right behind our house. We could see he was truly stuck and one wrong move was gonna send him into the ditch. Other vehicles stopped, presumably to offer assistance. Then they would carry on their merry way. But eventually there were a few vehicles stuck out there. To make the situation worse the plow passed and had to go around them, thus burying them in deeper. Finally an unidentifiable neighbour went out with a shovel and between them they got everyone out and back on their way. It took about an hour. We watched the whole thing from the comfort and warmth of our living room, deciding, it was too dangerous to go out there, but if there was an accident or anyone got hurt we would go to assist as well as call 911 if needed. Just as we thought the drama was all over, another car got stuck in the exact same spot. And then another and another and another, until at one point there were six vehicles stuck out on the road within view of our house. Finally Hubby said "That's it, I'm going out to help." He bundled up and took our snow shovel. He had to trudge through our backyard, drifts up to his waist, climb through a fence, through the ditch full of snow and up the other side to the road. By the time he got to the scene he was so out of breath (he's not in the best of health these days) all he could do was pass over the shovel. Once he caught his breath he was a hero. Another neighbour arrived with an all-wheel drive vehicle and a towing strap. And another with two shovels. Again it started with one vehicle but as others approached and slowed down they too became stuck. And again one wrong move and everybody would end up in the ditch. Eventually they got everyone pulled out and sent them on their way. As the last two vehicles pulled away there was no one left standing there. I didn't see Hubby anywhere. I started to panic and started to get dressed to go out and find him. Little did I know one of the neighbours gave him a ride back home, which was much easier than trudging back through the 150 feet of our backyard. I was relieved to say the least.
There were some very hairy, very scarey moments out there. There were transport trucks flying by without slowing down, there were a few near misses. The amount of traffic was kind of insane considering the conditions. The road should have been closed hours before all this started. I've seen it closed for less. One of the drivers informed Hubby the road closed signs were not up. What the hell? Not only was it blizzard conditions with horizontal snowfall, which didn't let up for a second, there was also freezing rain, sleet, heavy wind, whiteouts and zero visibility. Why were the roads not closed? And why were all these people out driving around on the worst night so far this winter? Unbelievable. When Hubby came in his facial hair was solid ice. I'm just glad to have him back home safe and sound. He'll likely be completely crippled tomorrow, but hey, he helped some stranded people and one car contained an elderly couple.
We haven't seen much traffic at all, except for some transport trucks FLYING by, since that last batch. I'm hoping they finally put up the road closed signs. It is just very lucky no one was hurt out there, the way things were happening. Kudos to Hubby and the other neighbours who risked themselves to go out and help.
I'm so proud of you Honey, you will always be my hero.
Last year a couple of guys were killed in a similar situation, just around the corner, when a dumptruck came upon them and couldn't stop. Shudder....the whole thing was quite scarey indeed.
And even though I told Hubby I think he should stay in now and let another neighbour save the next unfortunate fool, he didn't quite agree. But like I say, I think the roads have finally been closed , as they should have been hours ago.
I'm gonna assume tomorrow will be a no school day. I think we'll have a lot of shovelling out to do.