Snow ‘thunderstorm’ hits VW County

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Just when Van Wert County residents thought the winter couldn’t get any weirder, a winter thunderstorm?

Once again, beleaguered county schools canceled classes because of blowing and drifting snow on ice-covered rural roadways.

Many county residents were startled to hear thunder during the storm, and Facebook was atwitter with comments about the phenomenon, as was Twitter.

In addition, Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy noted that, with warming temperatures and what appears to be at least three more inches of snow on the ground, flooding could be a serious issue in the county by Thursday.

Meanwhile, local residents are getting out the snow shovels and snowblowers to deal with yet another winter storm – this one a mix of snow, sleet and some freezing rain as well – and must also prepare for another severe storm system that could hit the county on Thursday.

McCoy said National Weather Service computer models over the past five days indicate that a severe weather outbreak that began in the Gulf of Mexico could possibly affect local weather on Thursday.

The one positive note is the warmer temperatures also predicted for the county. McCoy said temperatures should reach a high of 38 today, with a low of 27, while Wednesday should see a high of 38 and a low of 28.

Thursday’s high is predicted to be around 50 degrees, with rain likely, while Friday should be windy, with a high of 41 and a low of 27. According to McCoy, there is a chance of rain and snow on Saturday, with a high of 41 predicted and a low of 22.

Sunday’s temperatures will fall a bit, with a high of 30 forecast and a low of 17. Monday’s high is expected to be in the mid-20s.

All three county school districts, as well as Vantage Career Center, have canceled classes for today.

In addition, Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers issued a Level 2 Road Advisory for that county, noting that roads there are hazardous, with blowing and drifting snow, as well as ice-covered.

“Only those individuals who feel it is (a) necessity to travel should be on the roadways,” Sheriff Landers said in a news release issued today.

The sheriff said road conditions were adequate in the county’s villages, but much worse in rural areas of the county.