Winter Storm Fern made its way through Dent County this past weekend, causing closures around the city and county following a deluge of snow. On Monday, Jan. 26, social media accounts of the city and county urged everyone to stay home and off the roadways to give road crew members plenty of room to operate. Monday, Jan. 26 saw the closure of the Salem Public Library, Circuit Court offices, Courthouse, City of Salem offices, Salem R-80 school district, and multiple Dent County rural schools.
The Dancing with the Salem Stars fundraiser was also postponed with a new date set for Saturday, Jan. 31.
According to the snowfall reports from the National Weather Service as of 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, the snowfall total for the storm in Dent County was 10.1 inches, as accumulated since the night of Friday, Jan. 23.
Due to the frosty temperatures, the city also issued a “peak alert,” which could impact electric costs for the next 12 months and electric rates for customers in the future. The City of Salem urged all residents to conserve electricity, if possible, to avoid setting a new peak demand.
According to an email to media from City Administrator Sally Burbridge, GFL trash service will be running Jan. 27 (today) and working to catch up on yesterday's trash pickups. In addition, Burbridge shared that residents are cautioned that the "peak alert" continues through Jan. 27 (today) due to single-digit temperatures and below-zero wind chills predicted to continue.
To report an electric outage, call or text 833-703-4811.
