Cape stops clean up, prepares for coming storm

Tim Gramling halted cleanup efforts in the city of Cape Girardeau at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

Gramling, director of public works, wants to be prepared for tonight's storm.

"We have to get our snow equipment ready," he said. "The guys are going to go home at a regular time, because we know it's going to hit late at night. They're going to get some rest, knowing its coming."

Many public works employees put in long hours while dealing with their own weather-related issues: power losses, tree damage and trying to care for elderly relatives living in rural areas affected by the ice storm.

He said city officials are hoping this storm is not a repeat of last week's five-day marathon. But he is prepared to tap the staff of the city's parks and recreation department.

"They drove trucks for us last week," he said, because after three days of nearly non-stop work, his crews were wearing down. "We were stretched about as thin as we could be."

Whether people are affected by a new round of tree damage or not, property owners who have already called the city to get on a list for a debris pick up does not need to call a second time, Gramling said.

He said people should put limbs and tree debris near the curb, not in the street.

"It's important to emphasize that we appreciate people's patience,' he said. "It may be three to four weeks before we get to some areas. I know it's hard, once you get it out there, to leave it for a long time."

He said without the help of contracting firms, the work could take months, because it has to be done at the same time city crews are doing regular daily tasks.

The Southeast Missourian will continue to update storm preparations around the region as the day progresses.