The blizzard that shutdown I-35, parts of Highways 9 and 18 took its toll on area motorists. Those who were traveling in and around Garner faced 50 mph winds, blinding snow, and very slick road conditions.
According to Garner Mayor Tim Schmidt, the city had to work quickly to accommodate all of the stranded travelers.
In all, twenty four people spent the blizzard in the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center which is normally open 24 hours a day. Word got out about the stranded motorists to members of the community according to Schmidt.
The area business community also stepped forward according to Schmidt.
Schmidt said that the people who provided the hospitality had a chance to talk with the families and each had a story to tell. Schmidt was grateful for them and another group who continually put their lives on the line to rescue the motorists.
Cities and counties in the area regularly undergo strategic emergency planning in order to be prepared for a disaster and this was no different according to Schmidt.
Schmidt stated that the city and the Hancock County Emergency Management team are studying how everything was handled. They will learn what needs to be done better and where the plan succeeded to revise the emergency plan for the next major blizzard.
