photo by: Shelley Hanson

Martins Ferry residents Justin Boissy, left, and Tristan Lee pause before heading to their next snow-shoveling job in the city on Monday.

WHEELING — If you’re a kid with a shovel and some time to spare, you may be making some good money in the next few days.

Ohio Valley residents and workers are beginning to dig out their vehicles and roadways following the weekend’s winter storm that dumped up to a foot of snow in some areas.

Youth like Martins Ferry residents Justin Boissy and Tristan Lee were among the people walking around the city looking for snow-shoveling work. The boys said they had already completed some jobs by Monday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Lou Vargo, director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Emergency Management Agency, said there were no major accidents and just a few regular medical emergencies late Sunday and early Monday during the winter storm.

“The interstates are much better today. The street department and West Virginia Division of Highways have done a great job,” he said.

Vargo noted that the smaller towns are digging out as well.

“Most small towns rely on the West Virginia DOH in the county clearing those roads, interstates and main roads,” he said. “They’re working on side roads now.”

Vargo said while the roads are still being worked on, people should also pay attention to the extreme cold that is forecast for the next several days. At times, the temperature is expected to hover around zero, causing windchills below zero in the single and double digits, he said.

“With the wind chills, there will probably be a lot of cancellations or delays,” Vargo said. “Kids who go out to the bus stops, that’s pretty cold for them to be out there. The superintendents will be looking at the temperatures and making safe decisions for their students. I keep in contact with (Ohio County Schools Superintendent Kim) Miller and she has the most current information.”

Vargo said people working outside need to bundle up properly.

“The biggest thing is if you go out to wear extra layers and cover up exposed skin with hats, scarves. Wear insulated gloves and boots,” he said.

Those digging out vehicles and sidewalks should work in moderation, taking breaks inside.

“The roads are still hazardous. If you’re going to the store or work, give yourself extra time to drive,” he added. “Check on your loved ones and neighbors. If you have outdoor animals, bring them in; don’t forget about the pets.”

Tom Hart, director of the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency, said there were no major accidents or emergencies overnight during the winter storm in his county.

“Actually the municipalities are doing a great job with snow removal,” Hart said. “The DOH has done a great job on primary routes and state secondary routes, they are out there working on that. It’s an ongoing process. As of right now, the big concern is the weather and the frigid temperatures over the next week or so.”

Some residents may be thinking far ahead to when the snow begins to thaw and the potential impact the melting could have on creeks and streams.

“We have at least two more weeks of below average temperatures. That’s something we’ll monitor over the next few weeks and the forecast. For now, we’re focusing on the frigid temperatures,” he added.