A deadly winter storm system that began in Southern California has extended to Texas and Oklahoma after sweeping through Arizona and New Mexico late last week.
The rain set records in parts of Arizona. The 1.60 inches that fell on Phoenix made Friday the city’s second wettest November day since 1895.
Near Amarillo, the storm wrecked havoc on the roads, causing traffic accidents that resulted in at least three deaths and numerous injuries.
Oldham County, Texas borders Potter County, in which Amarillo is located. Oldham County Sheriff David Medlin reported at least four inches of snow on the ground on Sunday. “Road conditions are still dangerous and people should drive cautiously and avoid roads unless absolutely needed.”
Southeast of Amarillo, icy roads are being blamed for the crash of Willie Nelson’s band’s bus. The bus spun out of control on Interstate 30 near Sulphur Springs, Texas, about 80 miles east of Dallas. The bus crashed into a bridge pillar and while no one was seriously injured, the band has postponed shows through the end of November. Nelson was not among the passengers in the bus. Updates were posted on his Facebook and Twitter:
Willie band bus (not Willie's) was in an accident overnight. 3 members of the family were hospitalized. Add'l info released as we get it.
— Willie Nelson (@willienelson) November 23, 2013
Update on band bus wreck: No one suffered serious injuries. 4 November shows postponed. Read more details here: http://t.co/b9MdRmZGRf
— Willie Nelson (@willienelson) November 23, 2013
Moving on from Texas, the storm system dumped up to a foot of snow in western and southwestern Oklahoma.
The storm – being referred to by some as Winter Storm Boreas – is forecasted to reach the interior parts of the Northeast late Tuesday, bringing abnormally low temperatures, rain, and snow just in time to hamper Thanksgiving travel.
Image via Twitter
