SULLIVAN COUNTY — Blanketed by more than a foot-and-a-half  of snow, Sullivan County was in cleanup mode Sunday and Monday as a swath of Old Man Winter swept the United States from Texas to the northeastern territory. Through it all, Sullivan County road crews pushed through with no reported emergencies or power outages.

While there haven’t been exact totals by presstime, Sullivan County Communications Director Dan Hust estimated snowfall amounts throughout the county ranging between 15 and 18 inches, with the largest totals estimated to be in the northern and northeastern portions of the county.

“We don’t have full totals yet, but the Grahamsville area likely saw close to two feet of snow,” stated Hust. “Most of the county came in around 15 to 18 inches.”

For Sullivan County residents, shoveling became routine, on and off, as constant but steady snowfall and blowing winds continued to blanket driveways and walkways. Though the snow was constant, Sullivan County benefitted from that factor specifically: it stayed powdery and light, with no additional disruptions in wind and ice as seen in other parts of the United States.

However, that doesn’t mean visibility wasn’t reduced at times, especially in heavier snowfall bands. This was particularly spotted on open roadways where blowing snow was a recipe for drifting and hazardous travel conditions, despite the efforts of road crews throughout the day.

County highway crews remained on the roads throughout the storm and were expected to keep at it through the day Monday as tailing bands drifted over the county yesterday.

“They’ll probably be out the rest of the day,” Hust estimated. “With scattered snow showers, wind, and cold temperatures, you get blowing and drifting snow. When it’s cold like this, the snow doesn’t melt, so there’s more work involved.”

Hust urged caution that some roads would stay snow-covered and urged drivers to exercise caution if traveling. He pointed out that most county government offices were closed Monday in part to reduce unnecessary traffic.

Even though the snow stayed steady, Hust said impacts were minimal thanks in large part to residents staying off the roads.

“Our 911 Center tells me we had about six cars slide off the road during the storm,” Hust recounted. “Thankfully, there were no serious injuries that I’m aware of.”

He added that given the storm’s intensity, the outcome was one county officials had hoped for.

“If we’re going to get a foot and a half to two feet of snow dumped on us, this is the outcome we want,” Hust emphasized. “No power outages and just a few minor accidents.”

As of yesterday morning, Sullivan County hadn’t reported any power outages. Hust credited the storm’s lack of heavy wind and the light, fluffy nature of the snow to keeping the power lines unbothered.

“The wind is starting to pick up today [Monday], so there’s always a possibility later on,” Hust told the Democrat. “[But] this wasn’t a heavy, wet snow, and that really helps.”

County warming centers in Monticello and Liberty dutifully remained open continuously from 8 p.m. Saturday through Monday morning, giving shelter for those in need. Hust pointed out that some towns may activate their own warming centers should conditions worsen, though no additional county-run locations were needed as of presstime.

True to Hust’s prediction in last week’s reported story, Hust credited the storm to demonstrating the county’s preparedness and residents’ cooperation.

“We came through it in Sullivan County style,” Hust stated. “We know how to deal with this kind of weather.”