A winter storm held Hartselle and Morgan County in its icy grip for several hours Wednesday and Thursday before temperatures moved above the freezing mark and began melting an 11-inch blanket of snow.

By nightfall Wednesday, streets and highways were almost impassable, most businesses had closed their doors and all signs of normal activity had screeched to a halt.

A power outage affecting 15 customers was reported by Hartselle Utilities General Manager Bob Sittason. He said on-call linemen were able to restore service with minimum delay.

“With 11 inches on snow on the ground, we were fortunate not to have had any more weather issues,” he pointed out. “I think our line clearance program helped a lot.”

The Hartselle Police Department reported that Main Street between Bethel Road and Kyle Road was barricaded for several hours because of snow and ice and other roads and streets were treacherous to drive on throughout the night.

“We had a few weather-related accidents, and some drivers abandoned their vehicles on roadsides,” said Hartselle Police Lt. Robert Finn.

He said all streets were clear by 1 p.m. and should not pose a traffic problem on Friday.

EMA spokeswoman Brandy Davis reported a power outage occurred in the Falkville area overnight and all roads in the county were deemed impassable   when snowfall ceased at about 10 p.m.

“Sparkman Civic Center was designated as an overnight warming center for anyone affected by a power outage or anyone stranded due to weather conditions,” said Davis. “However, the need for it never happened.”

Public works employees and equipment were used Thursday morning to put down sand and remove snow from roads in the central business district, according to Mayor Don Hall.

He said garbage trucks did not make their runs Thursday but would make up the lost time when streets are clear. Public works director Daxton Maze said Thursday’s garbage route will run on Friday if possible depending on road conditions. Friday’s recycling pick-up will be moved to Fri., March 6, and then the regular schedule will resume Fri., March 13.

“Overall, I feel like we made it through the snow and ice in pretty good shape,” Hall said.