Advertisement
Storms dumped almost 22 inches of snow on Winona this month, nearly 6 inches more than the December 2007 total, and average temperatures have been well below normal, according to the National Weather Service.
The near-constant shoveling takes its toll on the bodies of many residents. More patients than usual are seeking treatment at the Center for Family Chiropractic Care in Winona, especially for shoveling-related aches, primarily back pain, said owner Dr. Jude Eichman. He recommends people perform simple stretches to warm up their muscles before shoveling.
January might be easier on local bodies, as above-average temperatures and near-normal amounts of snow are predicted, said Brad Adams, a hydrometeorological technician for the NWS in La Crosse, Wis.
More snow forecast for this weekend could boost the totals, but much more snow would have to fall in early 2009 to challenge the record total for any winter. Residents were blanketed with 90.2 inches of snow in the winter of 1961-62. By comparison, the city received 42 inches last winter. Winona’s record December snowfall occurred in 1985, when 33 inches fell.
