Winter storm impacts Winchester
Published 11:15 am Monday, January 6, 2025
Main Street. (Photo submitted by Deborah Fraley)
Dry Fork Creek Road. (Photo submitted by Tiffany Rank).
Southern Clark County (Photo submitted by Ashlee Purdie).
Ale 8 bottle. (Photo submitted by Amie Moore).
Tape measuring snow. (Photo submitted by Tanina Schalte-Bishop).
Dogs at play in the snow. (Photo submitted by Amber Charles).
Legacy Grove Park (Photo submitted by Jason Handysides).
Looking out at a snow-filled yard. (Photo by Terah Hatton).
Icy river conditions. (Photo by Tiffany Rank).
Hanging icycles. (Photo by Vicki Nunan Lee).
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A heavy advertised winter storm ripped through Clark County beginning Sunday, January 5th, leading to many emergency changes as the new year begins.
While full climatological data had not been released by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as of early Monday morning, several inches of snow hit the area – with late rain running great risk of turning into ice.
Winchester Mayor JoEllen Reed issued a state of emergency for the City of Winchester, with city offices closed on Monday, January 6 as officials continue to monitor weather and plan to advise when they will be reopened.
In conjunction with Clark County Fire Department Chief and Emergency Management Director Steve Asbury, an official document declaring the local state of emergency states “local government has the responsibility to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and to mitigate the effects of such [an] event.”
Among other points, the declaration also states that the local Emergency Operations Plan shall be fully executed, and that all agencies shall cooperate to the fullest extent with Clark County Emergency Management while providing assistance as required.
The Winchester Police Department sent out a message via its Facebook page early in the day.
“As the snow begins to fall, everyone should know that we are expecting a significant winter event if all predictions are correct. We are predicted to receive several inches of snow as well as the possibility of freezing rain and ice. We caution all residents to stay off the roadways unless it is an emergency, as we expect conditions to deteriorate as the day goes on,” it stated. “Please help keep the roads clear for snow removal vehicles, first responders, and utility companies. If you experience a power outage contact your power provider, but if you have an active downed line please call dispatch. Please be careful and stay safe.”
Due to multiple vehicles being off the roadway in Madison County, the section of Boonesboro Road going toward that direction was temporarily closed – though it has since reopened.
Many local churches cancelled their morning services, some altering them until a different date.
Among them were Forest Grove Christian Church, Allansville Baptist Church, Church of the Living God, Central Baptist Church, Ephesus Baptist Church, Journey Church, Calvary Christian Church, and more.
On a more hopeful note, the Recovery Center (RCC) Facebook page put out its own message in preparation for the storm.
“The warming center at the Beacon of Hope will operate DAY and NIGHT during the expected winter storm beginning Sunday…We appreciate the Winchester Beacon of Hope Emergency Shelter for extending their hours to meet the needs of the community,” it stated.
The winter storm warning remains in effect until at least 7:00 p.m. EST on Monday, January 6.
Clark County Public Schools, which were due to return from winter break, announced through their Facebook page that they will be closed.
“Due to inclement weather, CCPS will be closed on Monday, January [sic] 6th. This is a traditional school closing ‘Snow Day’ and NOT an NTI/Non-Traditional Instruction day. Student and staff safety is our number one priority in Clark County,” they stated.
Offices of the Clark County Health Department, plus both the Clark County Courthouse and the Governor James Clark Judicial Center announced Monday closures as well.
