Oklahomans getting out again after snow

Friday, January 28th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

With a break in the snow, Oklahomans slowly ventured out in their snow-covered cars on ice-covered roads Friday after a two-day storm system finally left the state. A second system should move through the state early Saturday, but only flurries and light snow are expected, the National Weather Service said.

The storm that began Wednesday dumped up to a foot-and-a-half of snow on some parts of the state. Motorists traveling along Interstate 40 were stranded in Eufaula Thursday night, but were making quick exits Friday. "They're all heading out," John Daran, operator of the Eufaula Inn. Travelers began checking out of the hotel as conditions improved on I-40. "They brushed off their cars and are gone."

A popular destination in Ada was Bud's Liquor Store where clerk Donna Walker said "brandy and whiskey -- something to keep you warm" has been the drink of choice. "We have been swamped. It's like Christmas or New Year's," she said. "The snow gave them all a reason to drink and stay home."

The liquor store was one of the few businesses open for those who braved, mostly with four-wheel drive, the "treacherous roads" and 10 inches of snow, she said. "Just about in every county the secondary roads are still slick and hazardous," said Lt. Stewart Meyer of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. He said no fatalities or serious injuries have been reported since the winter storm hit Wednesday. The turnpikes still had some slick spots and highways in central Oklahoma were slushy. "It's pretty remarkable. The possibility was there that it could have been a very deadly few days, but fortunately it wasn't," Meyer said.

The deadly threat now is black ice. As the snow melts, it will freeze with overnight temperatures. Although the roads may appear clear, they could be covered with ice, he said. Like other towns, city workers in McAlester have been working round the clock to try to keep the roads safe, said public works spokeswoman Helen Peters. The city received 10 inches. "The main streets are getting pretty clear, but the snow is still here," she said. "We're just in the middle of it."

Snow didn't stop the usual Friday crowd of 60 people for a lunch of fried chicken at the Fairview Seniors Center. "We had three ladies call, but my husband went and got them," said coordinator Betty Bouse. Farmers and ranchers may find the snow both beneficial and a costly pain in the neck, said Gary Bledsoe, assistant director of the state Agriculture Department's market development division. "It has been extremely dry across the state of Oklahoma. Obviously if you've received any snowfall it's beneficial. Certainly it will aid the wheat crop." He said 12 inches of snow is equal to an inch of water. "To the wheat farmers it was a blessing for those that did receive snowfall. It will replenish the moisture."

The downside is that the snow can create stress on cattle and other livestock. It also means that they're having to feed a lot more hay, increasing out-of-pocket expenses. "From a dryness standpoint people who needed moisture were happy to receive it. Those who had just dormant pasture would probably prefer not to have snow. There will be those who after three or four days will be cursing it."

Some businesses have been cashing in on the weather. Tulsa hardware store owner Bob Rusley rented a U-Haul and drove to Kansas City to stock up on sleds and shovels. It was his third trip in three days. Each time, he has brought back 600 sleds, 170 snow shovels and 180 sledding disks, which quickly sold out at the two stores Rusley owns.

In Okmulgee where a foot of snow fell, video rentals have been flying off the shelves, said employee Heather Colonbine. "We're one of the few open," she said. "People are coming in getting two or three videos at a time." With the worst of the storm over, Johnny Shotwell said it's time to have fun. The owner of Misty Valley Heat & Air in Eufaula said building as nowman was on his list for Friday. "Everyone is cuddled away and taken care of," he said. "Now, we're all enjoying it."