riders on the storm

Bob Giusti

This winter's storm procession continues at around 12:00 AM EST with predictions going as high as 12-14 inch inland and as low as 3-6 inches along the coast. This comes on the heels of what was supposed to be a Monday's dusting evolving into a 5 inch dump. Today's (Tuesday) weather of 38 degree temperatures will go to waste as the new pile will make Monday feel like a dusting in comparison. Cancellations are already being announced all across the northeast in anticipation of hazardous traveling conditions. 

Already (in this case) is a good thing. In spite of Monday's miscalculation on the amount of snow you can bet Wednesday's continued early morning accumulations will be at about peak by the commute.
Regardless if it makes the model's peak high prediction, there's going to be a mess in the morning. So why not get the workflow moving while there is still time?

There is reluctance (especially on the part of upper management in the private business sector) to what some would argue as "premature" planning and a potential waste of spending. There were no early release/dismissals (to my knowledge) on Monday and no horror stories like Atlanta's 20 plus hour traffic jam (for what amounted to the same accumulation) to report. So we have some who believe that we are New Englanders and should be hearty enough to accept our conditions and move on to regular business as usual.

While that thinking may be admirable, it is clearly delusional in the face of what poor urban planning and a growing population of drivers has created. The same held true for Atlanta. It wasn't the amount of snow, it was untreated roads and mass dismissal of the workforce that caused the hysteria. It's got to be planed in advance just to have it functional by snow time. And whose schedule is so important that it can't be adjusted for public safety?

My suggestion is to enjoy the 'down time' with your loved ones or friends and keep a line of communication with those you know who may have some impairment that leaves them at risk. If most of us are prepared; the road crews will have full reign and deal with a reported accumulation rate of two inches an hour. Do the math,and we're talking a potential seven hour storm! 

Now I'm wondering how I will hold out with provisions. I think I have to do the dreaded bread and milk run (or at least my version of it) before the clock strikes midnight. That is assuming this snow storm comes in on time. Stay safe and be patient, you'll have plenty of time for shoveling to freedom of the road. And yes, I'm that confident that we will get a significant amount. With the storm falling on February 5th which is the anniversary of The Blizzard of '78, you can expect this to be the season for a real nor'easter.    

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