PARKERSBURG - The several inches of snow that blanketed the entire Mid-Ohio Valley as residents awoke on Saturday morning caused only minor problems, officials said.
"We had several small, minor accidents, but most did not even require a crash report," said a deputy with the Wood County Sheriff's Department. "The majority of the accidents were single vehicle problems where the cars ended up in a ditch or off the road and tow trucks were called - it was a busy day for tow trucks."
The Ohio State Highway Patrol in Marietta reported similar situations.
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Snow blankets streets in Marietta on Saturday afternoon, much as it did throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley. Local authorities reported few accidents or incidents related to the snow.
"We've gone to several minor accidents because of the weather, but no injuries have been reported and people seem to be alright," the dispatcher said.
Mon Power reported about some customers were left without electricity Saturday afternoon due to the winter weather. John Norman, external affairs manager, said the snow caused a number of small outages throughout the Parkersburg area, including Mineral Wells and Elizabeth, with an average of 25 or so customers affected in each area. Nearly all had service restored by Saturday night, he said.
On Saturday, Washington County Sheriff Larry Minks reported that Washington County was under a Level II snow emergency. Roadways were reported to be hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who felt it was absolutely necessary to drive should be on the roadways. The snow emergency was still in place at deadline Saturday night.
The roads were apparently slippery in Athens County, as Sheriff Patrick Kelly issued a Level 1 snow emergency in the morning. The emergency level meant that roadways were hazardous and in places icy. The snow emergency was canceled Saturday evening, according to the Athens County Sheriff's Office website www.athenssheriff.com.
The National Weather Service in Charleston said snow showers were likely to continue overnight, mostly between 10 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. today, with a total nighttime snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
Today's forecast calls for a 30 percent chance of snow showers, mainly before 7 a.m. Today will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 32, while tonight will be mostly clear, with a low around 20.
Monday's forecast for New Year's Eve calls for a 30 percent chance of rain and snow, mainly after 4 p.m., with partly sunny conditions and a high near 37. On Monday night, there is a chance of rain and snow before 8 p.m., then snow likely with a 60 percent chance of precipitation.
On New Year's Day, there is a chance of snow showers before 1 p.m. and then chance of rain and snow showers. There is a 50 percent chance of precipitation. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch are possible.
