Nearly a foot of snow, several inches of sleet cover parts of county
Managing editor
It started with a little bit of rain and a cloudy sky Friday morning in Marion County but by early afternoon, forecasters were predicting a significant winter storm.
Blizzard warnings and winter weather warnings were issued, some the previous day.
Depending on the part of the county, there was sleet, ice pellets, and snow that quickly accumulated to several inches. A brisk wind also made for treacherous driving and walking.
By Saturday morning, nearly 11 inches of snow was reported in Hillsboro while Marion had between five and six inches. The northern part of the county reported at least seven inches of snow with several inches of ice.
Numerous accidents were reported Friday and Saturday with one fatality accident south of Hillsboro. Sharon Chamberlain, 58, of Hillsboro, died in a two-car collision early Friday afternoon because of icy road conditions.
State, county, and local crews were busy, clearing and treating roads and streets.
Warm temperatures Sunday and Monday made most of the ice and snow disappear.
Temperatures for the remainder of the week are to be more spring-like with highs in the 50s and 60s and lows in the 30s and 40s. There is a chance of precipitation Thursday, which hopefully will come in the form of rain.
Two years ago, there was a freak snowstorm a few days before Easter, leaving a blanket of snow on blooming flowers and budding trees. With less than two weeks until Easter, county residents are wondering if this will be a repeat.