‘Snowmageddon’ misses Sun Parlour, still dumps 18 cm

By Mark Ribble

REGIONAL — The winter storm that crippled parts of Ontario on Wednesday and Thursday, February 2 and 3, narrowly missed the Kingsville-Leamington-Wheatley corridor, but still provided enough of the white stuff to cancel school buses for three days.

The forecast called for about 30 cm of snow by the time it was said and done, but the warmer temperatures on Wednesday morning produced rain for much of the day in Leamington, Kingsville and Wheatley.

The large snowfall provided mountains of snow in the area parking lots and these youngsters took advantage of that during their second snow day of the week on Thursday. From left are brothers Mason, Ivan and Logan Schmitt of Leamington, as they tackle the hill of snow in the Mill Street parking lot.

SUN photo

Snow had started falling in Windsor by late morning, but did not begin on the southern shore of the county until about 4 pm.

That delay saved the area from experiencing the massive storm that was predicted.

Still, it was plenty of snow for outdoor enthusiasts young and old to take advantage of.

At Two Creeks in Wheatley, best buds Ellie and Morgan took advantage of ideal conditions to enjoy a snow day from school. The 10-day forecast, with temperatures at or below freezing, will provide for many favourable outdoor activities.

And those snow removal companies — they may have just salvaged their season in a three-day span.

By the time the snow stopped Thursday evening, the south shore had received about 18 cm, which is about seven inches.

High winds on Thursday afternoon created whiteout situations in rural areas, especially where there were open fields. Drifting snow caused traffic issues as well.

County and city school buses were cancelled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but schools remained open.

The total accumulation was likely the highest amount of one-event snowfall in the area in a couple of years, prompting residents and businesses to dust off those snowblowers, shovels and garden tractors.

This municipal sidewalk plow had a couple of busy days in Leamington’s uptown core, as snow about seven inches deep accumulated on the storefront sidewalks. Crews were kept busy through all three days.

By the weekend, traffic was back to normal and sidewalks were bustling with people.