Winter Blizzard Marked By Bitter Cold, Leaves Many Snowbound

Punxsutawny Phil the groundhog may have been off his game previous years, but for those of us in Southeast Missouri it’s looking like he may be on point for 2025.

Winter is not yet over.

Sunday Feb. 16 dawned chilly, with a dusting of snow which seemed to be a warning of icy conditions which would return with a vengeance later in the week.

Sunshine and clear skies on Monday brought rays of hope that the winter storm would change its course.

However, National Weather Service predictions of a second big winter storm to hit Ripley County Feb. 18-19, with heavy snowfall of perhaps four to seven inches and subzero wind chill temperatures, were not idle threats.

The first flurries were seen locally at about 2:15 p.m., Tuesday and persisted into early Wednesday, accompanied by frigid temperatures.

The greatest impact from the extreme cold was expected to be felt early this morning, according to the NWS, when thermometers registered in the single digits.

Ripley County Schools which took a break for teacher’s conferences last week and stayed out for President’s Day had an extended recess.

One exception would have been Naylor R-II, which had initially scheduled classes to resume after the break on Monday. However, R-II Superintendent Stacey Roach ultimately had to dismiss school after all, not for the holiday, but because of flooded bus routes from Friday’s unrelenting downpour.

Notwithstanding the high waters, she said Naylor’s TRC Spanish students and teacher Mark Roach attended school to take an exam that could not be postponed.

Ball games which had been scheduled for Monday at Naylor R-II, were cancelled.

The harsh winter has played havoc with school calendars this season.

Due to a first round of snow and persistent low temperatures in January, schools which burned up most of their snow days are having to consider resorting to snow bus routes or (depending upon road conditions and whatever the rest of the season holds), may have to employ home AMI (alternative methods of instruction).

Families with school-aged children are therefore encouraged to check with their respective districts to be aware of any weather-related changes.