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The
first winter snowstorm of the year started making its presence known
about 8:15 a.m. Wednesday.
High winds started Tuesday evening. Level 3 Snow Emergency was called
at 3 p.m.
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Darke County Sheriff’s Office
Level Three
Snow Emergency Issued
Lois Wilson weighs in on “Waiting it Out”
Eight to 10 inches of snow Wednesday was predicted for the Darke County
area late afternoon Tuesday. Due to expected high winds, a Blizzard
Watch had been issued by the National Weather Service.
About mid-day on Wednesday, a Level Three Snow Emergency was issued by
Darke County Sheriff Toby Spencer. High winds had started Tuesday night
and were responsible for blowing snow that made roads all but
impassible. The winds started to level out during the afternoon
Wednesday.
At the time of this article Mercer County was also at a Level 3. While
there had been several counties affected by power outages, none had yet
been reported for Darke County. Measured snowfall had also not been
reported for Darke County, although according to WHIO-TV Preble County
reported 5.5 inches by mid afternoon Wednesday.
The photos record the timeline in Greenville Township, just north of
the City of Greenville. Below is the timeline for the Snow Emergency
announcements from the Darke County Sheriff’s Office.
2:00 p.m.: Sheriff Toby L. Spencer announced that at 3:00 PM today,
December 26, 2012, Darke County will go on a Level 3 Snow
Emergency. This includes the entire county. A Level 3 Snow
Emergency means that ALL roadways are CLOSED to non-emergency
personnel. No one should be driving during this condition unless
it is absolutely necessary or a personal emergency exists. All
employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to
work. Anyone traveling on the roads may subject themselves to arrest.
This release was issued in advance of the Snow Emergency so that the
public will be provided early warning and be prepared to be off the
roadways after 3:00 PM today.
Blowing and drifting snow along with near zero visibility has made it
difficult for road and street crews to keep roadways clear. The
Sheriff’s Office has already received reports of stranded motorists in
the rural areas of Darke County.
Thank you for your patience during these severe weather conditions.
Authority Darke County Sheriff Toby L. Spencer
12:30 p.m.: “Darke County Sheriff Toby L. Spencer anticipates that he
will issue a Modified Level 3 Snow Emergency at 3 pm. This
emergency is NOT in effect yet, but reports from road crews of
deteriorating conditions indicates the likely need to issue such an
emergency.”
12:00 p.m.: Sheriff Toby L. Spencer announced that Darke County was at
a Level 2 snow advisory. Level 2 snow advisory means that
roadways are hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Roads can be
very icy. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be out on
the roadways. People should contact their employer to see if they
should report to work. If you are driving, use extreme caution.
8:15 a.m.: Level One Snow Advisory was announced. Level 1 is when all
roadways are hazardous. Extreme caution should be used if travel
is necessary. Travel is not being limited at this time; however,
blowing and drifting snow is causing some roadways to become slick and
hazardous.
As we sit watching the blowing snow outside our windows, Senior Scribe
Poet Laureate Lois Wilson thought it might be appropriate for the
following:
“What do you do on a day like today? You write a verse, of
course! Lois”
WAITING IT OUT
The local winter wizard
Forecasts a fearsome blizzard.
There will be nasty weather,
High winds and snow together
With drifts reaching dreadful heights.
Gather lanterns and flashlights,
Batteries and radios.
What will happen no one knows.
Draw some water from the well;
Pray the storm cell doesn’t dwell.
Lay out long johns just to don
Should house power not stay on.
There is Sterno for the heat
That warms any food to eat.
Snowfall slows; you hear a shout,
“It’s stopped— but we can’t get out!”
Lois E. Wilson
© 2012 Lois E. Wilson
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