The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Winter storm brings snow, cold to county

VW independent/submitted information

A winter weather advisory remains in effect until 10 this morning, with schools delaying classes (all are in session) and several inches of snow on the ground, following the first snowstorm of the new year.

Snow clings to tree limbs this morning after a winter storm dumped several inches of snow on Van Wert County overnight. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)
Snow clings to tree limbs this morning after a winter storm dumped several inches of snow on Van Wert County overnight. (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)

Van Wert County Emergency Management Director Rick McCoy called for 3-5 inches of snow on the ground today, with bitter cold temperatures forecast for the next several days. Temperatures should rise to around 20 today, although winds will be blowing around 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph, McCoy projected.

Tonight, temperatures will fall into the minus numbers, with a forecast of 4 below zero and winds gusting to 25 mph, creating wind chills of minus-15 degrees. Some snow showers are also possible, with blowing and drifting snow projected.

On Wednesday, a high of 11 is forecast, with gusting winds creating wind chills of 8 degrees below zero. Wednesday night temps are forecast a minus-8 degrees, with wind chills down to 20 below zero. A hig of 11 is forecast for Thursday, with temps rising to 14 by Friday, although Friday night will see a low of minus-3 degrees.

Saturday will see a high of 14, with a warming trend seen Sunday, with a high temperature of 28.

Meanwhile, with dangerously low temperatures and accumulating snow in the forecast for much of the Midwest for the next few days, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) wants individuals and families to be safe when faced with the hazards of cold temperatures and winter weather.

“Subfreezing temperatures and wind chills can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions,” said Andrew Velasquez III, FEMA Regional Administrator. “It is important for everyone to monitor their local weather reports and take steps now to stay safe, whether traveling or at home, during times of extreme cold temperatures.”

During cold weather, area residents should take the following precautions:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the cold;
  • Dress in layers and keep dry;
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
  • Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
  • Bring pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water.
  • Make sure vehicles have an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket and flashlight — and keep the fuel tank above half full.
  • If told to stay off the roads, stay home. Those who must drive should not travel alone, should keep others informed of their schedule and stay on main roads.

Area residents can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

FEMA’s mission is to support U.S. residents and first responders to ensure that everyone works together to build, sustain, and improve the capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

POSTED: 01/06/15 at 8:57 am. FILED UNDER: News