| Sanderlin Mountain becomes a war zone |
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Ice and wind leave Sanderlin residents
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| High winds, ice and fog left Sanderlin Mountain residents unable to leave their homes Friday, Feb. 5. (Photo by Lincoln Hett, Safety Patrol Supervisor) |
By Laura Link
llink@bigcanoenews.com
Sanderlin Mountain looked like an iced tornado
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| Strong winds and rain created icicles on downed trees on Sanderlin Mountain. (Photo by Bill Bates) |
Bill Bates, director of public safety, said Friday morning residents on Sanderlin and Deer Run Ridge have limbs, trees and debris to the extent Bob Battle, a resident of Sanderlin, described as “a war zone.” Big Canoe road and public safety crews on the scene agreed with Battle.
“All we can do right now is just try to keep the roads clear for any emergency,” Bates said.
He said all workers are confined to their trucks and no chain saws can be used because of the hazardous conditions. Bates said one worker was nearly struck by a large falling limb Friday morning and managed to escape injury by diving into a ditch.
No traffic is being allowed on the mountain. A propane truck, trying to make a delivery, had to turn around because the roads were impassable.
There is no prediction as to when people on Sanderlin can get out of their houses and neighborhood according to Bates. He said the residents, who are responsible for clearing their driveways and property, are going to have a big job on their hands when it is safe to go outside.