Southern Indiana residents digging out after 15 inches of snow shuts down businesses, schools

SEYMOUR, Ind. (WDRB) -- Heavy snowfall that buried parts of southern Indiana over the weekend continued to disrupt daily life Tuesday in Jackson County, forcing business closures, school cancellations and a slow cleanup effort as crews worked to clear roads and sidewalks.

The county, including the city of Seymour, received more than 15 inches of snow, leaving towering piles along streets as plows and front-end loaders hauled snow away. Some snowbanks stood more than 12 feet high.

While snow removal crews focused on clearing streets, some businesses remained closed due to access issues and delivery delays. Larrison's Diner shut its doors Monday and Tuesday after the storm blanketed the area.

"I think they are doing the best they can," said Elizabeth Larrison, who said the main challenge now is deliveries, adding that alleys remain blocked, preventing trucks from pulling in.

Outside, crews continued loading snow into dump trucks as nearby businesses tried to recover. Rita Horverson, who works at a downtown salon, said many of her clients canceled appointments because of the snow.

"When we don't have people coming in here, we don't get paid," Horverson said. "It's everyone. Greemann's doesn't sell their furniture, and the paint store doesn't sell their paint."

Schools across the county were also affected. The Brownstown Central Community School Corporation closed Tuesday because many rural roads hadn't been plowed, and some hills remained too slick for school buses.

Residents throughout Jackson County were left digging out on their own, with some saying progress slowed once temperatures dropped and snow hardened.

"After the sun came out, it kind of got a crust on it," one resident said.

Others said their efforts were undone when additional snow was pushed back onto sidewalks by passing plows.

Larrison said each additional day closed adds to financial strain, even without payroll or delivery costs.

"It is what it is, and we all have to be patient," she said.

Most businesses in downtown Seymour plan to reopen Wednesday as cleanup efforts continue.

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