This is good to know, we get our fair share of thunderstorms here too, so I will be on the hunt for a new location. Thank you very much for responding!
It's not too late!!! I asked admissions reps who came to the law school fair at my college and they said January is fine!! (Also, one rep said she isn't even opening apps until mid November) so you'll be fine :) good luck!!
While I'm obviously not an admissions person, I don't see a big problem writing 1-2 quick paragraphs. Get directly to the point, don't make them read a lot and just let them know it was an off semester. Ideally they're like "Ok, fair enough." :)
If you focus on age, you will miss out on so many opportunities like, scholarships money which are crucial in keeping the overhead low. Focus on your skills and what you can do and you will fair a lot better.