The kids are home from school; they're already out playing in the snow. Look at that! The ground is actually covered in Central Park. It looks beautiful. People are admiring the serene beauty- dogs running at full speed with their noses to the ground.
OK....switch from that picture postcard scene to the area roads. UGH....awful. The timing could not have been worse. Flurries began falling shortly after lunchtime then picked up in intensity after 3 pm and by 4 pm, the snow was sticking to the roads- just as you were heading out of the office. Accidents abound. I've always said the worst part of a snowfall for commuters is the beginning. When there is 3 inches or more of snow on the roads, you inevitably slow down; you have to. But when we don't see much snow on the ground at the start we still have a false sense of security about our speed. All it takes is a hit on the brakes on a small icy patch and your day is ruined.
Can I ask a question here though? Seeing the snow already falling by mid and late afternoon, why didn't DOT's send out their crews, spreading sand and salt BEFORE the rush hour and setting sun? It was very obvious it was going to stick. Radar showed it moving right in and ground temperatures were well below freezing because of the recent arctic outbreak. Just asking (as I do every year!)
This weather system will take a toll on our region though. This is only the beginning. There is plenty more precipitation to go but NOT as snow. Look for about an inch or two of snow (more like 2-3 up north) followed by sleet and freezing rain. I fear we'll be hearing about significant icing in the northern and western suburbs into the Wednesday morning commute. Then a soaker of a rainstorm tomorrow. Like all previous systems, lovers of snowstorms will lament over the fact that the track and a lack of ability to hold the cold air will ruin what would otherwise have been a MASSIVE snowstorm. I'll get in to reasons for that another time.
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