With storms like this, there are white out conditions and you cannot even see the edge of the road. Interstates are closed and truck stops are full. People think they are smart and will try to drive on state highways. Two stories about people trying to do this.
1.
Had a New Yorker ask me if US 14 was open. I told him it is impassable, and to get a hotel until tomorrow at the very least. So I believe I saved you one.
Tow crews are tired and have been very busy pulling all of the people out who have “seen blizzards worse than this one before.” and people parking their vehicles on emergency snow routes. Oh and don’t forget the semi’s trying to bypass the interstate on secondary roads.
2. A car with Florida plates took Highway 14, trying to bypass the closure of the interstate. He ended up in my hometown. At that time, they had 12 inches of snow, now they have more. He got out of his car wearing shorts and flip-flops. He had no cold weather gear with him. He looked like he came from the beach. Now that he was there, and ill prepared, he was asking where to buy a coat and something for his feet. My home town is small and hasn't had a clothing store in some years. It did have a women's western wear store up until a few years ago. The closest place for this guy to buy something warm to wear was 50 miles away. But everyone was advised to stay off the roads. I imagine he slept in his motel room for a while, maybe watched some cable news. At least the motel is just a couple blocks from the only restaurant in town, but who would want to walk there in flip flops and shorts in that weather? The temps are supposed to dip down to below zero now.