Skiatook Area Residents Still Digging Out

Many folks across eastern Oklahoma are still digging out from the winter storm. They're trying to get back to a normal routine. But getting back to normal after a record-breaking snowfall can be a

Monday, December 4th 2006, 10:40 am

By: News On 6

Many folks across eastern Oklahoma are still digging out from the winter storm. They're trying to get back to a normal routine. But getting back to normal after a record-breaking snowfall can be a difficult challenge.

News on 6 anchor Craig Day went to the Skiatook area on Monday and says other than a few slick spots, the sun has helped to melt some of the ice and snow causing such problems on major highways.

Drivers seem to be getting where they need to go. Then there are folks like Keith Cohea. Like most, Cohea wants to be on the road to recovery, but he has to get out of his driveway first. â€œIt was pretty thick, it's starting to soften up now. It was solid ice, but it's getting better." For 4 hours now, he's chipped and shoveled and worked to get out to the highway. Cohea has never liked snow much. He really doesn't like it now.

But Horace Paslay likes it, at least up to a point. â€œIt's the best one we've had in a while." He's worked to clear a number of parking lots since Thursday. All this snow is good for business, but he's also ready for a break.

While the snow related work is wrapping up for some, it's just beginning for others. The historic winter storm is expected to have a big impact on many businesses. The weight of the snow collapsed a boat slip with about 40 boats underneath at Crystal Bay Marina. Right now, the owner says roads and the collapsed roof are too dangerous for boat owners to get a close look at the damage. Insurance adjusters should be on-site this week if the snow and ice melt.

Keith Cohea hopes the thaw happens sooner than that. He just wants to make it to work. â€œI'm about five hours late, at least my boss will probably believe me now.â€

While some major roads are clear, many secondary and residential roads are still a mess. Drivers are still encouraged to be careful because there are a number of slick spots, especially in shaded areas or on bridges and overpasses.