Not-So-Super Storm
The prediction for heavy snowfall Sunday and into this morning didn't materialize, but what did fall contributed to a rash of accidents.
Between 1:45 and 4:30 p.m., nine accidents were reported to the Butler County 911 dispatch center.
Another four occurred throughout the evening.
Steve Bicehouse, director of county emergency services, said the effect on roads would have been worse, but the snowfall was spread out throughout the day.
Bicehouse said he isn't disappointed when weather conditions turn out to be less severe than initially predicted.
“It's easier to have everyone be prepared than surprised,” he said.
Bicehouse attributed Sunday's accidents to motorists traveling at a higher speed than they should.
“Too fast for conditions,” he said.
No life-threatening injuries were reported, but one woman had to be extricated from her upside down vehicle after it wrecked on Dinnerbell Road in Jefferson Township around 2 p.m.
The National Weather Service reports up to 2.5 inches of snow fell Sunday in the Butler County area, although some residents reported higher amounts.
Lee Hendricks, a NWS meteorologist, said wet snow such as what fell Sunday can turn to ice once a few tires run over it.
“It doesn't take much to make it an ice-skating rink,” Hendricks said.
The weather service forecasts rain turning to snow this afternoon, with temperatures dropping to 13 by 4 p.m.
Chance of precipitation is 90 percent, with snow accumulation of up to 2 inches.
Tonight, there is a chance of snow showers before 7 p.m., with a low around 3 and wind chill as low as minus 5.
Chance of precipitation is 30 percent with accumulation of less than a half an inch.
Although snow is not forecast for Tuesday, temperatures will stay cold with a high near 23 and a wind chill as low as minus 8.
The next chance for snow is early Wednesday morning.
Thursday night, the temperature plummets to minus 3.
All public school districts in the county were closed today.
