Blowing snow, frigid temps hit area again

Van Wert independent

It’s a new week, but the pattern of snow and frigid temperatures continues for another week, at least. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the area until 1 p.m. today, and a wind-chill warning that will be in effect until noon on Wednesday.

High temperatures are predicted at around 5 above zero today, with lows of -15 this evening. Winds are projected at 15-20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph, making wind chills tonight around 25-35 below zero.

Van Wert County schools have all closed for Monday, while Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers has issued a Level 3 weather emergency for that county.

The designation means all roads in Paulding County are officially closed to non-essential personnel.  Essential personnel are decided on a case-by-case basis.  No one should be traveling the roadways unless it is an absolute necessity.  Drifting and blowing snow have reduced visibility and made travel extremely hazardous.

Few, if any snowplows are currently operating, while the plows that may be out are attempting to keep the main roads passable for emergency vehicles.

The majority of snowplows are not working until the wind subsides because of the whiteout conditions caused by drifting and blowing snow.  Individuals traveling the roadways in Paulding County are subjecting themselves to becoming stranded and/or arrested.

Conditions are being continuously monitored and, when conditions warrant, the Level 3 weather emergency will be modified.

More cancellations are likely, with blowing snow and dangerous wind-chills forecast to continue throughout the day.