The weather might be cold and damp outside, but it’s a child’s paradise, said Matt Belk, meteorologist with the Charleston, W.

Thursday, January 20, 2000

The weather might be cold and damp outside, but it’s a child’s paradise, said Matt Belk, meteorologist with the Charleston, W.Va., Bureau of the National Weather Service.

"If the snow’s a little wet, it’s perfect snowman-making weather," Belk said.

That should be great news to the Lawrence County schoolchildren who got to stay home today.

Rock Hill, Symmes Valley, Fairland, Chesapeake, Dawson-Bryant and South Point schools were closed today because of the weather.

Only Ironton City Schools and St. Lawrence Elementary and St. Joseph High School students attended class today.

Road conditions did not cause too many early morning accidents, Ohio Highway Patrol Lt. Jim Coleman said.

"We’ve got the typical crashes that occur with this type of weather," said Coleman at about 9 a.m. "Most of the major routes are just wet at this time. The county roads are in pretty good shape, too. Most appear to be treated. There are a lot of slick spots."

Ohio Department of Transportation crews began cruising the county highways early, said Holly Snedecor-Gray, ODOT District 9 public information officer.

"Road conditions are definitely improving," Mrs. Snedecor-Gray said. "As of 5 a.m., the roads were 80 percent clear. And crews are trying to get as much of the slush and snow off the roadways as they can to prevent refreezing."

Dangerous road conditions are possible later this evening when temperatures drop down into the low 20s, Belk said.

"We’re expecting snow showers throughout the day," he said. "We’re looking for an additional one to two inches by late afternoon. Temperatures should be falling by late in the afternoon. We expect it to drop down to the low 20s. And as long as it’s below freezing, you have to worry about ice on the roads."

ODOT crews will be making sure today that those icy spots are far and few between, Mrs. Snedecor-Gray said.

"We have 13 crews on the primary and secondary roads," she said. "There is some slush and icy spots possible. The crews will continue to treat the roads with salt and grit and to plow as needed. We want to get the slush off the roadway before the temperatures drop."

If motorists encounter snow and ice, they should take it slow, Coleman said.

"With the temperature change today, you could encounter slick spots anywhere," he said. "I would keep about three to four times more room than you usually would between you and the car in front of you."

The snow will continue through today. Tonight should be mostly cloudy with a few light snow showers and flurries, Belk said.

Friday will be mostly cloudy and cold, he said.

Once the area exits this cold front, another will be moving in, causing additional snowfall this weekend, Belk added.

"Saturday night into Sunday and continuing into Monday, there’s a chance of snow," he said. "Monday’s just a small chance, though, compared to Saturday night and Sunday."