February seems to be not only for sending bursts of special valentines but also for receiving bursts of the worst weather any warm-loving valentine could want.
February's weather has been brutal this year, accumulating high temperatures below 32 degrees for more than a week now and icy precipitation pieces falling from the skies whenever it seems fit. The last day it was above 32 degrees in Bella Vista was on Monday, Feb. 8, when it was 36; the next day forecast to be above 32 degrees is Friday, Feb. 19, at 38. And how about those minus zero temperatures experienced this past Sunday and Monday!
Cancellations have been a norm during this week of February polar vortex, canceling in-person school days, postponing vaccine inoculations, shutting down businesses, and keeping drivers off roads due to icy conditions on Feb. 9 and 10.
Yet February 2011, 10 years ago, was just a little more exciting. Snow, snow and more snow fell Feb. 1-4, with Feb. 9 that year accumulating over 24 inches. That's right -- over 24 inches, crippling the city for a week or longer.
When we remember there are over 500 miles of street surface in Bella Vista, it was not a year to be on the street crew department!