Christmas was indeed white this year across the Midwest, as a winter storm arrived Dec. 21 through Dec. 23. The snow fell from Wednesday evening into Thursday afternoon.
Snowfalls were expected in the four to six inch range in the community, according to the National Weather Service, but the actual depth of snow would be hard to determine, as the storm was accompanied by wind gusts of more than 35 miles per hour, causing drifting snow and whiteout conditions on the ground.
Blizzard like conditions remained in much of the state Thursday and Friday, with travel not advised throughout much of the state Thursday. Linn County Sheriff’s Office instituted a tow ban early Thursday morning.
Sharp gusts of winds after the storm were accompanied by cold arctic air, setting below freezing temperatures into the area for the next three days, with frostbite and other injuries possible for any exposed skin in a matter of minutes for anyone outside.
Many area businesses in uptown Mount Vernon (including the newspaper) had closed storefronts Thursday, Dec. 22, due to the winter storm. Lisbon Schools, which had planned to have school on Thursday, Dec. 22, canceled due to the weather, the first snow winter weather call of new superintendent Autumn Pino.
A level of haze from blowing snow on the ground could be seen at 8 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, as the winds and blizzard following the snow storm set in. Below freezing temperatures with wind chills were also seen.