A weekend of snow and frigid temperatures
Photo by Shari Harris
Licking R-8 Schools cancelled at least through Wednesday due to road conditions.
Winter Storm Fern swept across the Midwest, South and Northeast parts of the U.S. over the weekend, depositing 6-10 inches of snow in and around the Licking area, according to the National Weather Service. Single digit and negative temperatures were felt, with many record lows were set across the state.
Temperatures recorded at Waynesville-St. Robert Regional Airport-Forney Field Station showed a decline throughout the day Friday, dropping over a 24-hour span from the upper twenties to around 6 degrees. Saturday temperatures ranged from 2 to 7 degrees, and it snowed intermittently throughout the day. Sunday afternoon saw a balmy 15 degrees around 3 p.m., when the snow ceased and the sun emerged. But it was all downhill from there, and a low of -2 degrees was recorded at the airport at 6 a.m. Monday. Many saw temps of minus seven or lower on their thermometers Monday morning. Without question, it was miserably cold.
Forecasters called for snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches for the Licking area; thankfully when it finally stopped snowing, local amounts were on the lower end of the range. Winds did cause drifting however, so walking through knee-deep snow in places was definitely a possibility.
Many events were cancelled over the weekend, and most people that could stay at home did so. Schools remained closed at least through Wednesday, with snow-packed back roads continuing to make travel treacherous.
Governor Mike Kehoe declared a State of Emergency in preparation of the forecasted hazardous winter weather and ordered Missouri National Guard members on standby in case they were needed. He asked Missourians “to stay informed, plan ahead, and use extreme caution during this potentially dangerous winter weather event.”
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) worked throughout the weekend, trying to keep major routes open. City, township and county road crews were also kept busy, trying to clear roads as much as possible in preparation for the beginning of the workweek on Monday.
Weather forecasters have predicted a gradual warmup through the week, but frigid temperatures are expected to return Friday and Saturday. There is hope for Monday, however, as the National Weather Service expects it to be a radiant 40 degrees.
Photo by Shari Harris
Few vehicles were seen on the drive to work Monday morning, and a thick blanket of snow covered the ground.
