Police face coast-to-coast winter weather, challenges

Here’s a roundup of how police departments across the country are handling the bizarre pattern of winter weather

By Suzie Ziegler

The biggest news story this week has almost certainly been the extreme winter weather in places that rarely get it, like Texas and Louisiana. Road conditions, snow removal and power outages have taxed public safety resources and personnel. Despite that, some officers are finding the snowy, silver lining.

Here’s a roundup of winter updates from police departments across the country.

Clearing snow

Detroit police officers visit seniors to help shovel snow after a record storm.

Likewise, police in Kansas suited up to shovel snow for the less able-bodied.

Some of our officers are out shoveling snow for our less able bodied citizens today! If you see them out and about give them a wave! pic.twitter.com/4g4POnr8oy
— Arkansas City, KS Police 🚔 (@ArkCity_Police) February 16, 2021

Police in Tennessee provide an escort for plow trucks after some close calls.

Tandem ice/snow plowing is underway on N. Mt. Juliet Rd. Our officers are having to assist the Public Works crews due to some reckless, careless motorists who attempted to pass the trucks. pic.twitter.com/6CupEJUdlx
— Mt. Juliet Police (@MtJulietPolice) February 15, 2021

Another big shout out to @KYTC Snow Fighters - getting it done - Kentucky style! #winterstorm2021 #SynchronizedPlowing https://t.co/U2ShN0UQxv
— KY State Police (@kystatepolice) February 17, 2021

Enjoying the snow

While the snow has been stressful at times, some police officers (especially K-9s) are taking time to savor the rare conditions.

Do you know who just learned they love SNOW.... K9 Rhodes! pic.twitter.com/Oh6z9Ay0Gk
— O'Fallon (MO) Police (@OFallonPolice) February 13, 2021

I think its safe to say, K9 Cam loves the snow!!! ❄️😀 pic.twitter.com/YkfYX51826
— Neenah Police (@NeenahPolice) February 17, 2021

Thanks to all of the people driving safely in Roanoke today, our officers had a little bit of spare time to sled race some local kids. We love seeing our officers having fun with the community on this very rare snow day here in Roanoke. pic.twitter.com/sA7CtNMw6C
— Roanoke Texas Police (@RoanokePoliceTX) February 15, 2021

Spring Hill Police Officers are enjoying the snow. Check out a few of them sledding and tell us which one you think won! And check out more pictures and video --> https://t.co/fyRVoNIiha pic.twitter.com/GD9qnAGtnq
— WSMV News4 Nashville (@WSMV) February 16, 2021

Your #toledopolice officers are dressed for the snow from head to toe - sweet polarized goggles included! #snowpatrol pic.twitter.com/7dopUpJ0VW
— Toledo Police (@ToledoPolice) February 15, 2021

Road safety

With winter weather comes winter driving. It can be especially hairy in states that don’t normally think twice about the drawbacks of front-wheel drive.

A Schulenberg patrol car was responding to an accident in Texas when another car crashed into it, nearly hitting an officer.

This police cruiser was hit by a car while officers were responding to another accident in Texas Saturday. Police said the car hit ice and rolled down a hill, but everyone was OK. There was a winter storm warning across all Texas counties over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/y24wZ9i0sb
— KMVT News (@KMVTNews) February 16, 2021

A mixture of snow, sleet, and freezing rain has been falling across Louisiana, making roadways dangerous for travel. Troopers are working crashes and assisting motorists, who have become disabled. We are asking the public to avoid traveling. https://t.co/M61BicPpKz pic.twitter.com/MvOAhfGkHe
— LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) February 15, 2021

You actually need to clear off the entire car…

Meanwhile...
Today we stopped this vehicle and gave the driver some advice on safer driving habits. The officer even cleaned the snow off the car before sending them on their way with a warning. pic.twitter.com/RZL6M18hn2
— Edmonds Police Department (@EdmondsPolice) February 15, 2021

Don't be these guys. Clean your car or truck from snow and ice before you drive, or face getting pulled over and cited. Your fellow motorists and the Massachusetts State Police thank you. https://t.co/3MMZu9FCpx pic.twitter.com/zocCkZFjUd
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) February 9, 2021

Please STAY HOME if possible! The road conditions continue to be very dangerous.

Stay safe, San Antonio and show us your SNOW pictures ❄️⛄️ pic.twitter.com/2K1jptGzP2
— San Antonio PD (@SATXPolice) February 15, 2021

Please give our big trucks 🚚 🚒 🚑 🚌 extra room during our winter weather.

Here are some basic facts. Not here to nitpick the distances, weight, or times... but the basic message is to PLEASE SLOW DOWN and give these trucks room. pic.twitter.com/uIf8yYNNKj
— Abbotsford Police Department (@AbbyPoliceDept) February 15, 2021

NEXT: 16 winter weather tips for on and off-duty cops