Yet another snowfall hits VW county

Van Wert independent

Van Wert County residents could have thought spring had sprung with temperatures near 60 on Tuesday, but Mother Nature threw a monkey wrench into that thought Wednesday with yet another snowfall and fa bout of frigid temperatures.

The temperature went from the 50s to the 20s as seven more inches of snow fell on Van Wert County on Wednesday.

Van Wert County Emergency Manager Rick McCoy said the most recent storm brings this winter’s total snowfall to 71 inches, just 12 inches less then the highest recorded county snowfall of 83 inches in 1978.

Wednesday’s snow, coupled with high winds, resulting in severe blowing and drifting and also forced county schools to cancel classes for yet another day this year. Students were on a two-hour delay this morning, but classes will be in session after that.

Temperatures also fell with a thud, going from a high in the high 50s on Tuesday to a low of one below zero Wednesday night. With the high winds, the wind-chill was predicted to be 10 below by this morning.

The snow hit mostly in a belt that included Van Wert County. New Haven and Columbus City, Ind., received 8.5 and 6.5 inches, respectively, while Wapakoneta saw just two inches of snow fall, according to McCoy.

Fortunately – at least for those with watertight basements and extra sandbags in Willshire – the snow should melt quickly as temperatures rise again on Friday. After a high today of 25, temperatures will be more springlike on Friday, rising to a high of 49, while Saturday’s high is forecast for 43, with a low of 23. Sunday should see a high of 32, while Monday’s high will be 31, with a low of 22.

McCoy says Tuesday could bring more precipitation, with a mix of rain and snow possible that day. A high of 30 is forecast for Tuesday.

Meanwhile, although spring officially coming in next week, it’s hard to guarantee at this point that winter doesn’t still have some tricks to spring on a snow-weary area.