Winter weather impacts region again

Ice covers the driftwood along the shore of the rising Mississippi River at New Madrid. Recent storms throughout the Midwest should bring the river at New Madrid to just above flood stage to 34.5 feet on March 4 according to the National Weather Service.

Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

NEW MADRID, Mo. - After last week’s bone-chilling temperatures, sleet and ice, New Madrid County residents should enjoy a taste of spring this week.

On Feb. 23, a winter storm began making its way across Southeast Missouri. By Thursday morning, the area was covered by ice.

Schools throughout New Madrid County closed Thursday as did many businesses. Southeast Missourians were urged to stay off the roads, due to the ice.

Daffodils covered by ice crystals had to wait a while longer before blooming to announce the arrival of spring.

Jill Bock/Standard Democrat

Although some roadways cleared during the day Thursday, temperatures dropped again into the 20s creating problems for travel on Friday morning.

But what a difference a few days can make.

March rolled in bringing warmer temperature. The National Weather Service is predicting highs into the upper 60s to possibly 70 degrees on Wednesday. A high pressure system dominates the weather picture this week with no precipitation expected.