NORTH LIMA, Ohio - One thing that has been missing this winter season is the snow.
By this time last year we'd had 40 inches of snow, but so far this year we're just at 22.
Sales of snow supplies are down at Crouse True Value Hardware in North Lima. "Usually by this time of year we'd be through about six trailer loads of salt," said John Crouse. "So far we're working on our second one. So it's a lot smaller so far this year."
That's the difference of about 360,000 pounds of salt.
"I know there a lot of people that are getting hungry because of this lack of snow," said tow truck driver Ed Schaefer. His truck has only been out a couple times this winter.
"Last year was exceptionally big a big year and by this time last year I'd say we probably did it 8-10 times," Schaefer explained.
Meteorologists say the cold air simply hasn't arrived from the north. "The zonal air patterns cutting across the country are bringing air off the Pacific," explained WFMJ meteorologist Mark Koontz. "That arctic surge you get coming down from Canada is just not there at this point."
But there's still plenty of winter left. In fact, February is the busiest winter month for Crouse True Value. "I hate to see it come, but it definitely carries us through a couple bad months," Crouse said.
Last winter was unseasonably snowy, but this year could still have a wintry showing.
"Some of the biggest snowfalls we've ever had are in late November and late March," said Koontz.
Those who work in the snow removal industry are hoping the snow will still arrive.
"Season's not over yet so we're still hoping, fingers crossed," Schaefer said.
