Snow, bitter cold blanket Union County Winter storm sweeps through area over weekend; another round expected at midweek

Bitter cold, strong winds, snow and the possibility of freezing rain highlighted Union County's weather during the past week.

Wintry weather arrived a little ahead of schedule. The "official" first day of winter is not until Tuesday, Dec. 21.

A winter storm swept through the region last weekend, leaving behind several inches of snow in some areas and temperatures near zero.

Snowfall in Anna measured just over 2 inches.

The low temperature for the past week in Anna was 3 degrees, which was recorded Tuesday morning.

The National Weather Service, NWS, forecast office in Paducah reported snowfall amounts ranging from less than an inch to 4 inches in the region.

Cape Girardeau had 0.4 of an inch of snow. Carbondale had 2.5 inches. Cobden measured 3 inches. In Marion, 4 inches of snow fell.

The snow and cold were accompanied by strong winds which lasted throughout the day on Sunday.

Wind chills early Monday morning ranged from zero to minus 10 across the region,  NWS reported.

Both the Union County Sheriff's Office in Jonesboro and the Anna Police Department reported that no major accidents had happened as a result of the bad weather.

Union County Highway Department crews worked all day and into the night on Sunday to clear local roads. Their work continued Monday. Highway department foreman Mike Yates said eight trucks were used.

Yates said he was concerned about the possible impact of freezing rain, which was in the forecast for Wednesday.

More on the Way?

NWS reported there was "the potential for another winter precipitation event by midweek" in the area.

With the possibility of more inclement conditions, NWS issued a winter weather advisory for the region. The advisory was for a period which began at 3 p.m. Wednesday and continues until 9 a.m. Thursday, today.

The forecast called for a chance of freezing rain and sleet on Wednesday morning, followed by snow in the afternoon.

Freezing rain was in the forecast for Wednesday night, with accumulation of less than a quarter of an inch expected.

Thursday, today, is expected to be mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of more freezing rain and sleet in the morning, along with a high temperature in the lower 30s.

Use Common Sense

With the threat of more inclement weather on the way, Capt. Harry Masse, commander of Illinois State Police District 22, reminds those who may have to be on the road "to use caution and common sense."

District 22 has its headquarters at Ullin. Union County is part of the district.

"Ideally, no one should be on the roads in an ice storm," Masse said.

"Realistically, people do drive in bad weather. If you don't have to go out, please stay home," Masse said.

On ice, he said, no vehicle has better traction over another.

Masse said people "may get a false sense of security in a four-wheel drive vehicle and pass or drive faster than other vehicles.

"My advice when one must drive in bad weather is the same, regardless of the vehicle: take your time," Masse said.

Masse shared some tips to use during winter weather:

Don't use the cruise control in wet, snowy or icy conditions.

Drivers should place their hands on the steering wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions.

If you lose traction, don't slam on the brakes. Slow down gradually.

Smooth acceleration, braking and steering are key considerations.

Use extra caution over bridges and concrete surfaces. Ice forms on those surfaces first.

Slow down in advance of shaded areas: these are the last places where melting occurs.

Masse noted that the Illinois Department of Transportation provides travel information which is continually updated.

Travel information is available by calling 1-800-452-4368 or by visiting the website at <a href="http://www.gettingaroundillinois.com">www.gettingaroundillinois.com</a>.

Local Weather Statistics

Official weather observer Dana Cross recorded the following statistics during the last week in Anna:

Precipitation

.03 of an inch of rain was recorded Dec. 11. 2 inches of snow, which resulted in .43 of an inch of melted precipitation, was measured Dec. 12. A trace of snow, which resulted in .01 of an inch of melted precipitation, was recorded Dec. 13.

Temperatures

                              H   L

Wednesday, Dec. 8    35 12

Thursday, Dec. 9           36  13

Friday, Dec. 10          50 31

Saturday, Dec. 11       52 28

Sunday, Dec. 12         53 20

Monday, Dec. 13       21  6

Tuesday, Dec. 14       22  3