Moberly snow cleanup continues as crews battle heavy accumulation
MOBERLY, Mo. (KMIZ)
Joshua Jenkins got behind the wheel of his snowplow just before 7 a.m. Monday. Ten hours later, he was still busy cleaning up the aftermath of this weekend's winter storm that swept through Mid-Missouri.
Jenkins is one of hundreds of snowplow operators across the state who were busy clearing snow out of roadways, parking lots and driveways. More than 10-hour days behind the wheel of a snowplow are common. Crews were out trying to get the main roads cleared in Moberly on Monday, but the city spokesman Scott McGarvey said with so much snow from the night before, there was simply nowhere to put it.
“There was a lot of drifting overnight. our crews just could not keep up with the amount of snow that was coming down and the wind that was blowing it around,” McGarvey said.
Moberly had crews just outside of City Hall, as well as contractors to help fill up truckloads of snow to remove from downtown. But as of Monday evening, piles of snow still remain.
“Last night with the wind, it was like you’d move it and it would blow right back so that was frustrating,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins was one of the contracted snowplow operators helping remove snow on Monday. His snow care service, JJ Enterprises specializes in commercial and residential snow removal. When he saw the upcoming forecast, he purchased 2,000 pounds of salt in preparation for a busy weekend.
By Monday afternoon, he had already cleared 25 residential homes, an apartment building, a Little Caesars parking lot, and areas around libraries in Madison, Huntsville and Moberly. The next stop was Higbee schools.
“Some businesses that are open automatically get priority,” Jenkins said. “The school today, they didn’t have school so they are last on my list for today.”
Jenkins said the bid process is done months in advance. However, he added that the business, while lucrative, is not very competitive.
“In this line of work, there’s enough work for everybody. There ain’t no shortage of lots to push or snow to push,” Jenkins said.
In Moberly, snow cleanup will carry into Tuesday and likely later in the week. Despite the inconvenience, snowplow operators are urging drivers to remain patient.
“It seems like people are in such a hurry. They realize, yes, I know we might get in the way, but we're trying to help everybody out. You know what I mean? Just have a little patience, show a little love, and we're going to get it done,” Jenkins said.
