Effects of the most recent winter storm, which hit the Texas Panhandle last Thursday, were widely felt in the Dumas/ Moore County area. From school and business closures to accidents and damage resulting from the storm, many area business and residents are in the processes of recovering from snowfall reports of 12-14 inches, possibly more in some parts of the region.
Dumas schools, along with many local merchants closed Thursday, Jan. 28 in anticipation of the storm. Officials of Moore County, as well as the cities of Dumas, Sunray and Cactus began efforts to prepare for the wintery blast prior to arrival of the storm, and continue cleanup efforts today.
According to Texas Department of Transportation, preparations such as sanding began early Thursday morning, with many Tx DOT employees working around the clock to remove snow and ice from the highways. US Highway 87 was closed at noon on Jan. 28, and reopened shortly before noon on the 29. Area highways were mostly clear by Monday afternoon, with warmer temperatures and sunshine Monday aiding TX DOT officials with the cleanup effort.
According to Moore County Road and Bridge Supervisor Skipper Murdock, at least 13 Moore county employees worked well into the night Thursday and Friday in an effort to stay ahead of snow and ice accumulation,successfully avoiding any mandatory county road closures.

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