While winter storm Jonas reached blizzard conditions on the east coast, it dropped no more than six inches of snow in Adams County this past weekend, forcing the cancellation of most of the county’s weekend activities.

According to a report released by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), snowplow operators in Adams, Brown, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross and Scioto counties were getting prepared before the storm hit by prepping equipment and loading trucks. Road crews were at the ready, with the majority of the counties going to 12-hour shifts in advance of precipitation moving into the area.

Beginning Friday around 10 a.m., the snowfall was steady, lasting for 36 hours and leaving most rural roads throughout the county impassable. At the storm’s peak, Adams County was under a Level 2 Snow Emergency, declared by Sheriff Kimmy Rogers.

According to Adams County Engineer, David Hook, there were 14 trucks plowing and treating the roads from 7 a.m. Friday through the late afternoon on Saturday.

“The heaviest snow fall was in the southeastern part of the county, and tapered off as we moved north,” Hook said.

While crews continued operations throughout the entire storm, steady snowfall kept roads covered so that by the time it finally subsided Saturday afternoon, Highland, Adams and Brown were left with snow totals ranging anywhere from four to six inches.

“Our crews were on top of this storm from the start, and with its timing and track critical to our operations and response, it was imperative that the snowplow operators were ready to go when the snow started to fall,” said ODOT District 9 Deputy Director Vaughn Wilson. “From the treatment methods to the equipment, they were well-prepared to tackle it, and they did not relent from start to finish.”

Crews continued to clear roads and put down salt after the storm passed, restoring the roads to pre-storm condition before nightfall. By midnight Saturday operations were concluded and crews were released to go home.

Even with all the travel hassles and other disruptions, last weekend’s snowfall often left beautiful scenes like this one.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_SnowScene1.jpgEven with all the travel hassles and other disruptions, last weekend’s snowfall often left beautiful scenes like this one. Photo by Larry Heller

Last weekend’s winter storm left many of the county’s back roads covered and tough to travel on, such as Germany Hill Road in Monroe Township.
https://www.peoplesdefender.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/web1_SnowScene2.jpgLast weekend’s winter storm left many of the county’s back roads covered and tough to travel on, such as Germany Hill Road in Monroe Township. Photo by Larry Heller
County escapes east coast blizzard

By Patricia Beech

pbeech@civitasmedia.com

Reach Patricia Beech at 937-544-2391 or pbeech@civitasmedia.com