March mayhem: Storm drops 14 inches of snow on Charles City
Fourteen inches of snow fell on Charles City Saturday, offering a rude rebuke to the first week of spring. Press photo by James Grob
A combination of 14 inches of snow and snowplows clearing the streets resulted in many nearly buried vehicles parked at the side of streets. Press photo by James Grob
The snow was so deep it was difficult to see around over the weekend. Press photo by James Grob
Snowblowers got a workout and shovelers even more so trying to clear more than a foot of snow from driveways and sidewalks. Press photo by James Grob
Downtown Charles City was a maze over the weekend, as 14 inches of snow was turned into high traffic dividers down the center of multi-lane streets. Press photo by James Grob
Driving was treacherous Saturday as 14 inches of heavy wet snow fell on the city. Press photo by James Grob
Downtown Charles City was a maze over the weekend, as 14 inches of snow was turned into high traffic dividers down the center of multi-lane streets. Press photo by James Grob
Downtown Charles City was a maze over the weekend, as 14 inches of snow was turned into high traffic dividers down the center of multi-lane streets. Press photo by James Grob
By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com
More than a foot of wet, heavy snow fell on Charles City through Saturday, leaving behind the perfect conditions for snowmen and snowball fights, but throwing a skid into weekend travel plans.
The National Weather Service reported 14 inches fell on Charles City. Most area towns and rural areas received a foot or more, with the highest totals reported in Rockford and Osage at 16 inches, Nora Springs at 17 inches and Mason City at almost 18 inches.
The snow came down so fast that road crews had difficulty staying on top of it, and highway and street conditions quickly deteriorated beginning Friday evening.
The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office advised Saturday morning that the Avenue of the Saints was down to one lane of travel and vehicles were getting stuck in the middle of the road.
Some less-traveled streets and roads were reported still slush covered on Sunday.
There is a chance of freezing rain and sleet late morning today (Monday), changing to rain in the afternoon. Little or no sleet accumulation is predicted and the high Monday is expected to be 39. Rain and possibly a thunderstorm are in the forecast for Monday night.
The trend through the week should be for melting, although there is a small possibility of a little snow at night on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday once the temperature drops. There should be little accumulation, however.
The week should see some major melting, with highs each day significantly above freezing, reaching as high as 50 on Wednesday.
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