Linus is the latest storm in another snowy winter

WARWICK — Last Monday, Feb. 2, also known as Groundhog Day, most residents in this part of the country learned the bad news that Punxsutawney Phil, despite overcast skies, saw his shadow.

And, like last year, that means there will be six more weeks of winter.

The most recent storm, which The Weather Channel has named Linus, hammered this area with heavy snow from last Sunday night to Monday evening.

That not only added anywhere from seven inches to more than a foot of additional snow on top of previous accumulations but also threatened an additional problem of sleet, freezing rain, below normal temperatures and high winds. The National Weather Service warned motorists to only travel in an emergency.

Many of the snowstorms that began shortly before Thanksgiving, occurred on holidays or weekends and that, while good for commuters, can create additional problems for the local community.

As snow mounts, costs rise, too

"This has been a tough winter, not just monetarily but also physically on the men of the Department of Public Works," said Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton. "The storms have been of long duration and our crews are in for the duration so it becomes taxing on them. Yet they don't complain and do an excellent job. With over 200 miles of road to plow our commissioner and his crews have huge challenge.

"However they get the job done, no matter the difficulties each storm presents," Sweeton added. "Money wise, we are close to 80 percent on our overtime budget and perhaps 75 percent on salt and sand costs so we certainly need a break."

'It's February'
Business owners report that the Village of Warwick Department of Public Works also does a good job and shoppers are still able to enjoy visiting shops and restaurants in the downtown business district.

"It's a mixed bag," said Mary Beth Schlichting, president of the Merchant Guild. "Some people can't get out but for others, like skiers, it's a reason to visit the area. And sales are about the same as every other year at this time. This is February and we're used to it."

- Roger Gavan