It looks as though Pierce County could have its first winter precipitation in seven years this week.
As The Times was going to press Monday evening, Pierce County was under a winter weather warning for only the second time in recent memory.
Pierce County Schools released students early Tuesday in anticipation of the winter weather.
All schools are closed today, Wednesday, January 22, due to weather.
All after school activities have been cancelled. Public Safety Director Blake James said the National Weather Service (NWS) in Jacksonville, FL is predicting Pierce County will experience Arctic cold through most of the week with sub-freezing temperatures and wind chills in the 10s and 20s.
A warming shelter will be open Tuesday evening, January 21, at the recreation gym at 705 College Avenue, Blackshear.
The NWS was predicting possible snow, sleet and freezing rain yesterday and today, Wednesday, January 22.
There is a 40-50 percent chance Pierce County will receive at least an inch of snow. There is also a 50 percent chance the county will experience icing due to freezing rain.
Travel should be avoided Tuesday evening through Wednesday afternoon unless absolutely necessary due to the high possibility of black ice.
“The chance of these combined are of concern for roadways becoming iced over and dangerous,” James said.
Sheriff Ramsey Bennett emphasized residents should avoid travel if the icing and snow occur.
“We urge all Pierce County citizens to stay home if the snow, sleet and freezing rain materializes,” said Sheriff Bennett.
If the winter weather materializes it will be the first snow fall since January 3, 2018.
