Winter Storm — Pope, Illinois

2008-02-11 to 2008-02-12 · Pope, Illinois

Wider weather episode

Low pressure developed over the southern Plains, spreading widespread heavy precipitation across southern Illinois. At the same time, high pressure over the upper Ohio Valley produced a cold easterly wind flow. The result was a crippling ice storm. Around one inch of ice caused extensive damage across far southern Illinois, along and south of a line from Carbondale and Marion to Harrisburg and Carmi. Many of those same areas received three to six inches of sleet and snow. The most destructive icing occurred in an east to west band across Union, Johnson, Massac, and Pope Counties. The state designated most counties in southern Illinois as a disaster area. Numerous trees and power lines were brought down, knocking out power to many thousands of homes. Power outages lasted up to a week. An indirect fatality occurred in Carbondale, where an elderly man died of carbon monoxide poisoning while operating a gasoline generator in his garage. Three carbon monoxide poisonings were reported in Christopher. All three victims, who were from the same family, were not seriously injured. Emergency shelters were established for those without power for extended periods. Schools were closed for a week in some counties. Trees and tree limbs fell across roads, complicating recovery efforts. A number of houses and other structures were damaged by falling trees. The roof of a bakery and bread store in Herrin collapsed under the weight of the ice and snow. The walls of the store bowed out due to the collapse, and the structure was deemed a total loss. Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill State Bike Trail, and the Trail of Tears State Forest were closed for the remainder of the month due to widespread tree damage. Minor damage occurred to facilities and buildings in Ferne Clyffe State Park. To the north of the Marion, Carbondale, and Harrisburg areas, one to three inches of sleet and snow, and up to one-half inch of freezing rain occurred.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 77119. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.