Winter storm recovery efforts in Southern Illinois

CARBONDALE, Ill., (KBSI) – Winter storm recovery efforts are underway in Southern Illinois.

Crews are collecting piles of fallen tree limbs that came down after the ice storm earlier this month. Williamson County Engineer George Shepard said the storm caused a lot of damage.

“It was kind of a triple punch storm with the ice, the sleet and the snow,” he said. “That caused massive power outages and of course a lot of debris on the side of the roads.”

Shepard said Williamson County Highway Department will be picking up tree limbs for residents until March 15.

“We obviously hope to get it all done by then, but it may be wishful thinking. There’s a lot of material out there. So we have three crews working,” he said.

Residents are asked to gather up all of their tree debris and pile it by the side of the road so that it’s ready for removal.

In Carbondale – multiple agencies are collaborating to help counties most affected by the storm. Volunteer Jerry Womick, with Laborers’ Local 773, said they are getting to work in Jackson county and plan to work towards Williamson and Saline.

“We were out in Carbondale today, surveying and talking to residents and just trying to to get the game plan for tomorrow when we start more of the cleanup effort,” he said.

Womick said he hasn’t seen many homes that haven’t been affected.

“We came across one family today, and their house had a large tree blocking the driveway,” he said, “keeping them from being able to get their vehicle from the driveway. Obviously, you know, that tree’s gonna have to be removed from the house before more damage is done.”

IDHS-Serve Illinois is seeking volunteers for help assisting residents in the southern Illinois region, January 24 through February 7. For more information, click here.