Ice Storm — Gallia, Ohio

2003-02-16 to 2003-02-17 · Gallia, Ohio

Wider weather episode

A severe ice storm occurred, when 1 to 2 inches of ice from freezing rain accumulated on trees and power lines. The precipitation initially started as snow then changed to rain then freezing rain. The freezing rain was mixed with sleet at times. The storm finally ended as a period of snow on Monday, the 17th. Roads remained blocked by fallen branches and trees for several days. A Meigs County deputy sheriff said on the 17th, "We've got trees coming down about every 5 minutes". The city of Pomeroy was without electricity for 5 days, No electricity lead to water shortages. Refrigerated frozen foods spoiled. Governor Taft declared a state of emergency in Lawrence, Gallia, and Meigs Counties for the severe icing. Jackson and Vinton Counties in southeast Ohio were later added for a request of federal assistance. President Bush declared a major disaster that included Jackson, Lawrence, Vinton, Meigs, and Gallia Counties. See FEMA disaster number 1453.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5342036. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.