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Monday, January 26, 2015

It's Coming -- The BIG One

Okay, so my Friday prediction of the snow fizzling out didn’t happen. Saturday’s was a non-event, but we’re getting a big one today into tomorrow. Here’s the official notice:

Winter Storm Warning for New Jersey
Active for next 1 day, 7 hours · 
This alert has been updated.
Posted 7 hours ago
A major winter storm will impact our area today into Tuesday.
Low pressure in over the central Appalachians will track to the Virginia capes by noon Monday then intensify rapidly in its northeast turn, nearing Cape Cod at noon Tuesday and then weakening off to Nova Scotia on Wednesday.
Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from noon today to 6 pm EST Tuesday.
·         Hazard types: Heavy snow with blowing and drifting.
·         Snow accumulations: 12 to 16 inches.
·         Timing: light snow will affect the morning commute. Snow will become heavy at times late this afternoon through Tuesday morning when snowfall rates of a couple of inches per hour can occur at times. Then taper off during Tuesday afternoon.
·         Impacts: some impact on the Monday morning commute. Then significant and widespread impacts thereafter. Areas of blowing and drifting snow will add to the hazardous conditions.
·         Winds: north 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
·         Temperatures: in the upper 20s.
·         Visibilities: one quarter mile or less at times.
Recommended actions
A Winter Storm Warning means significant amounts of snow is expected. And strong winds are possible. This will make travel very hazardous or impossible at times.

So, I guess we will have a big one after all.

This is by no means the biggest storm in history around here, though. Last year we had a large accumulation – over 60 inches, but it was spread out over several storms. However, I remember back in the nineties a one-day snowfall that measured almost three feet! We go by Philadelphia records here, but often, just that quick ride over the bridge means we get a bit more. I looked it up, and here’s our history:

1.  31 inches, Jan. 6-8, 1996 (27.6 inches fell on Jan. 7).
2. 28.5 inches, Feb. 5-6, 2010 (21.9 inches fell on Feb. 6). Area high: 30.0 inches in Ridley Park, Delaware County.
3. 23.2 inches, Dec. 19-20, 2009 (22.5 inches on Dec. 19). Area high: 25 inches in Swedesboro, Gloucester County.
4. 21.3 inches, Feb. 11-12, 1983 (21.1 inches on Feb. 11).
5. 21 inches, Dec. 25-26, 1909 (15.5 inches on Dec. 26, 1909).
6. 19.4 inches, April 3-4, 1915 (19.0 inches on April 3).
7. 18.9 inches, Feb. 12-14, 1899.
8. 18.7 inches, Feb. 16-17, 2003 (16.0 on Feb. 16). Area high: 24.5 inches in city’s Byberry section.
9. 16.7 inches, Jan. 22-24, 1935.
10 (tie). 15.1 inches, Feb. 28-March 1, 1941.
10 (tie). 15.1 inches, Jan. 26-27, 2011 (14.2 inches on Jan. 26). Area high: 19 inches, Verga, Gloucester County.
So, even if we get a foot of snow, it won’t make the record books.

I’ll be inside, of course, hunkered down with a good book or a TV show. My husband already ‘braved the crowds’ in the supermarket to get milk and juice. He said the shelves are emptying quickly. We laugh at that – it’s like people think they’ll never get out again when it snows. Usually the roads are cleared in a few hours. I guess it’s just a survival trait ingrained in our psyche.

My husband also heard that Forman Mills, a giant discount warehouse, was having a 50% off sale because the CEO was on “Undercover Boss.” There’s a store not far from here, so he took a ride to see what they had. He bought two pairs of heavy ski gloves and a flannel shirt, and his bill was $5.29! I should have gone with him to purchase some sweatshirts, but I didn’t want to go out in the cold.

Well, let me go get prepared for the storm. I may make some soup, too.

Peace,

Muff

8 comments:

  1. That is a big storm. Soup sounds delish. Take care!

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  2. Hi Muff us too, blizzard is coming tonight into Tuesday. I, like you will be hunkered down. M husband primed the generator and decided he wants Chinese food for later so he is goin to get some take out before the storm picks up. love that your husband went around gathering food and some great bargains. I also mentioned some wine would be nice. ;-0 Also, i have a
    tablet now that my son gave me for Christmas so if i cant run my computer from the generator source i can use my tablet, stay safe and warm
    love gail
    peace,,,,,,,

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    Replies
    1. From what I hear, you got most of the storm. As usual, the forecasts were wrong for us, and we have very little. Be safe up there!

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  3. we are getting hammered!! we went food shoppin a few days ago so we are all set. soups on and i am enjoying my time indoors!!!

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    Replies
    1. Well, you do like snow, so I hope you got enough. Down here, not much.

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