It wasn't a pleasant afternoon or evening in the St. Louis region for Route 66 travelers -- or for any travelers, for that matter. Two to four inches of rain fell in a short time Wednesday afternoon, causing flash flooding in low-lying areas, according to various media reports. That included several feet of water at … Continue reading Notes from the road
Category: Weather
Flagstaff fire is under control
After a number of tense days, the massive Schultz wildfire north of Flagstaff, Ariz., is finally contained. R. Sean Evans, an archivist at the Cline Library at Northern Arizona University in town, sent this e-mail on Thursday: The containment now is complete, and the total acreage burned is somewhere north of 15,000 acres (or 23 … Continue reading Flagstaff fire is under control
Wildfires surround much of Flagstaff
Many residents of Flagstaff, Ariz., are on edge Sunday evening because of wildfires around the city that closed a major highway and caused evacuations, according to varying news reports. A 3,000-acre fire north of town has forced the closure of U.S. Highway 89 north of town, according to the Arizona Daily Sun. Another fire Saturday … Continue reading Wildfires surround much of Flagstaff
Severe flooding hits Oklahoma City region
Severe floods closed highways, snarled traffic, and inundated homes and businesses throughout the Oklahoma City region after 7 to 10 inches of rain fell Monday, according to varying news reports. And the worst part is that more rain is expected Monday night into Tuesday morning. Many roads remain impassable in Oklahoma City as of Monday … Continue reading Severe flooding hits Oklahoma City region
Storm ravages Route 66 Festival in Edwardsville
A severe storm struck the Route 66 Festival area in Edwardsville, Ill., on Saturday afternoon, forcing the cancellation of the rest of the event after several tents were blown over and festival-goers ran for cover. According to the Belleville News-Democrat, the storm came with nasty winds and 1-inch hail. Witnesses said children were crying as … Continue reading Storm ravages Route 66 Festival in Edwardsville
Volcano disrupts Europeans’ travel to 66
I was afraid that the eruption of the Icelandic volcano that sent ash over a wide swath of Europe and grounded flights would eventually make an impact on Route 66 tourism, and it has. Ellie Alexander, tourism director for the City of Pontiac, Ill., told me by e-mail that several European travelers had to cancel … Continue reading Volcano disrupts Europeans’ travel to 66
Notes from the road
If you're traveling the Mother Road this week, you may have to make other plans for the midsection. As this map from the National Weather Service shows, the Route 66 corridor is under a winter storm warning all the way from about Springfield, Mo., to Gallup, N.M. -- much of it freezing rain. Authorities closed … Continue reading Notes from the road
White Flag
Not many folks are traveling Route 66 this time of year. But if you are, you'd best be aware of a huge winter storm that's about to hit northern Arizona, especially the Flagstaff region. According to the Arizona Daily Sun, up to 2 feet of snow will fall in Flagstaff this weekend, with wind gusts … Continue reading White Flag
Rendezvous Report
Here is some coverage from the Route 66 Rendezvous this weekend in San Bernardino, Calif. --- A lucky reporter at the Redlands Daily Facts tried the fare at the barbecue booths at the festival. --- The Contra Costa Times takes a closer look at the alternative-fuel vehicles and other "green" practices at the event. --- … Continue reading Rendezvous Report
Tornado strikes Williamsville
A tornado ravaged the Route 66 town of Williamsville, Ill., on Wednesday afternoon, destroying or damaging at least two dozen homes and businesses. No loss of life has been reported so far. One of the casualties is the Route 66 Antique Mall (photo of the damage is here). According to the Springfield Journal-Register: Jack Caldwell, … Continue reading Tornado strikes Williamsville