Tow truck companies stay busy while businesses try to stay up and running through winter storm
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A snow and ice storm hit the Mid-Missouri area early Thursday morning. As it continued throughout the day, tow truck companies were busy while some businesses tried to stay up and running.
Shawn Young, a tow truck driver with Tiger Towing, told ABC 17 News before 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, the crews already responded to more than 30 calls for service.
Young said he expects the constant calls to continue through the evening hours as road conditions will likely continue to worsen, plus the darkness settings will be making visibility an even bigger issue.
Young said a lot of the calls have been for cars sliding off of the roadways and it's also taking crews longer to respond to the incidents for their own safety.
"They're not able to have control of their vehicles, they're going downhills thinking there's a possibility that they can get up and you can't," Young said.
Winter storms also bring long days for staff.
"It's usually anywhere from 8-4 or 8-5 on a typical day. Days like this we'll be out until it starts to slow down and then we'll start backing drivers off so they can get some rest," Young said.
A lot of business in the area decided to close on Thursday, while some attempted to serve the public.
Carlos Ross, general manager at Pappo's Pizzeria and Pub, said the doors opened for them at 11 a.m. after staff worked to clear sidewalks and the parking lot.
"It's pretty rewarding to be able to help feed the community when most places are closed," Ross said.
Although Pappo's did open Thursday morning, the decision was made out of safety for staff to close at 3 p.m. as road conditions were not getting any better.
