Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-01-22
OTTAWA IN GRIP
Of FREAK STORM
SUNDAY A RECORD BREAKER
FOR COMBINATION OF SEA
SONS-DAMAGE IN WAKE OF
SNOW, RAIN AND ICE.

Ottawa and the immediate vicinity
was caught in the grip OF severe
storm last evening. Heavy snow that
melted and then froze damaged much
property and greatly impeded traffic
on steam and electric lines. The
thermometer ranged forty degrees in
the course of twenty-four hours.
Wires were blown down and much
damages suffered by the electric light
and telephone companies thruout the
Illinois valley. The thermometer
dropped from maximum of 80 de-
grees to minimum of 10 degrees.
Saturday night heavy snow fell.
which was followed by dri1zling
rain and decided rise in the temp
erature At four-thirty O'Clock yes
terday afternoon the storm broke.
The wind travelling at better than
a twenty mile an hour clip, nearly
blew people from the slippery streets
and caused many to fall to the
ground.
When the drop in temperature be-
gan at four.thirty. ice and sleet COW
cred the tracks of the c., O. & p.
causing all cars to run behind sched-
ule.
A call was sent for every available
lineman who worked ccaselessly in
making repairs in order that traffic
might again be resumed.
In the business district awnings
over stores were torn into ribbons,
and ash cans were whirled into the
streets. A slight damage was done
to electric signs.
Last evening at 0 o'clock Street
Supervisor Fox ordered the snow and
slusn be removed from the curbing as
fast as possible in order that when
the thawing occurs that the streets
would not be one great pu die of
water.
River Backs Up.
The Fox river has again serious
proportions. overlooking its banks sew.
eral feet. No immediate danger
however, is believed to be on way
The Illinois river has reached high
height and is frozen solid.
Flood One Year AGO.
A year ago Saturday the Fox ant
Illinois rivers reached their highest
mark in history. at which time thous
ands of dollars worth Of property was
swept away in the lowland and hun
dreds driven from their homes. and
the east and business sections of the
city were seriously menaced by the
high waters of the Fox and Illinois.
Five States in Storms Grip.
Chicago, Jan. 22.--Five no-therr
states. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nortl
and South Dakota and part of Iowa
today were in the grip of the wors
blizzard in twenty years Heav,
snow and high winds have caused
great damage, according to report.
trickling in here today, and in man,
cities traffic OF all description ha!
been abandoned while the citizens dis
themselves out.
In Chicago and Northern Illinois
wind, accompanied by snow that melt
ed as it fell and during the nigh
froze on the pavemcnts, damaged
property considerably Trains from
the northwest are all delayed and Mil
waukee reports that none arrived yes
terday except from Chicago In tina
city street cars are being kept goini
only with the aid of scores OF snow
shovelers Conditions in the othe
states affected were virtually TIT
same.
Wisconsin Traffic Tied Up.
Milwaukee. Jan. pa storm o
blizzard proportions worked havo
with transportation thruout the entir
state Sunday. All travel was at
standstil up to late hour.
Worst Storm in 40 Years.
Chippewa Falls, Wis, Jan. 22.-Th
worst blizzard experienced here I
forty years has been raging since
a. m and continued undated las
night. Twenty inches of snow hav
fallen, driven by furious northeas
gale into great drifts. Travel is con
pletely blocked.
Much Damage Done.
Menominee, Mich, Jan. 22.-Th
most severe storm known for yeal
has been raging here for the las
twenty-four hours. Much damage ha
been done.