Blytheville Courier News: Local News: Ice slickens area roads, closes schools (01/16/13)

Roadways were crowded Tuesday afternoon as the ice fall began and area residents packed grocery stores, and schools and businesses closed early.

The second winter storm of the season settled a layer of solid ice over the Blytheville area Tuesday afternoon and evening, leading to area-wide school closures and event cancellations.

With the temperature never rising above freezing, the sleet, snow and freezing rain quickly made driving conditions dangerous and caused multiple accidents on Mississippi County roadways.

The Mississippi County Sheriff's Department reported several accidents, but none with serious injuries. The Blytheville Police Department reported that its officers assisted with at least three wrecks on Interstate 55 near Blytheville, as well as four which occurred in town, but no major injuries or other damages were reported.

Entergy Arkansas representative Russell Harris said he has been in contact with the company's Blytheville representatives and has not been informed of any power outages in the area.

Mississippi County Electric Cooperative reported 182 customers in one area lost power for about an hour Tuesday evening. Power has since been restored, and no other outages have been reported.

sharris@couriernews.net