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Photos 2 & 3 by
Ryan Berry, The Early Bird
Weather milder
than predicted; low wind chills coming
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – Temperatures reached unexpected highs on Jan. 5 (39
degrees at 1:30 p.m.). Some areas were reporting rain, others light
snow. Snow predictions for the Darke County area had dropped from 6-10
inches to 4-5 inches overnight.
Unseasonably cold weather is anticipated for Monday, although that as
well has dropped from an expected overnight low of -14 to -6, only
slightly lower than the -4 degree overnight temperature Thursday.
However wind chills are predicted to reach -30 degrees or lower Monday
night through Tuesday morning.
The combined snow and cold prediction created long lines at two local
supermarkets. The parking lots of both were filled to the outside edges
as people attempted to stock up for the coming weather pattern. Shelves
were running low to empty in both stores.
All lanes were open at one store on Saturday, with lines stretching
almost to the back. The self-checkout area, which is seldom in full
use, had two lines stretching back nearly to the halfway point down the
aisles. One couple said they were there because of the coming weather.
“I hope it doesn’t happen,” she said. “But if it does we want to be
prepared.”
Several people were upset in another market at one point that only
three lanes were open with long lines waiting to check out. According
to one shopper people were cursing, tossing their purchases aside and
leaving the store.
“Patience is a virtue,” she said. “I wish people would teach it to
their children so that when they become adults the world would be a
better place.”
Locals on Facebook had their own comments about the weather and the
constant prediction changes.
“I think the storm melted. Absolutely has to be due to global warming,”
said one, while another said, “It's raining! Where did all the snow
go?? Where's our 6-10 inches? Can we take all the stuff back to the
store for a refund??”
“I should have been a weatherman for Ohio!” said yet another. “I
predict that tonight will be partly dark with scattered arrays of
light!”
The first winter snowstorm of the year began Jan. 1 when approximately
4-5 inches of snow accumulated overnight Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Wagner Avenue and downtown Greenville remained relatively active –
though slippery - with heavy traffic at the circle and post office. The
contrast was sharp with the serene picture-postcard look at the city
park.
Rain and melting snow during the day Sunday will create new road
hazards as the freezing temperatures set in Sunday night.
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