OK, so as most of you who live in the northeast know, Winter Storm Nemo is coming and it's going to drop a crapload of snow on most of us. Around where I live, we're only expected to get a foot an a half of snow tops (only a true Vermonter would say only a foot and a half), but around the Boston area, they are supposed to get two feet.
There are a few things this brings up for me. First of all, I'm not entirely certain why places farther south and lower in elevation are getting more snow, so clearly, I would not have made a good meteorologist. But still, if you live in those areas, preparedness might be good, considering that it's a crapload of snow. Make sure you have flashlights, food, water, blowtorches - actually, blowtorches aren't necessary - but make sure you have all the stuff.
Here's the thing. In my part of Vermont it's one and a half feet over a long time. I don't even know if they're going to cancel school for that. And do you remember my earlier rant about how I'm good in extreme conditions? Growing up in this state with this weather, it just doesn't seem like a huge deal to me unless there's zero visibility and temperatures of -20. (Fahrenheit, for those of you reading this abroad. Don't ask my to convert into Centigrade). But in any case, I don't see why people should be panicking. Preparing, but not panicking.
And this brings me to my next point. When did it become customary to name winter storms? I understand naming hurricanes - they do a crapload of damage. But unless you live in an area where snow is unheard of (I'm looking at you, southern states), it doesn't seem like a huge crisis to me. Sure, traffic might be a bit slower, and stopped in some places, but if you're careful, you'll get through it. I haven't heard of anyone ordering evacuations just yet.
Finally, there's the personal bit. If you're trying to scare people by naming winter storms, for goodness sake, DON'T USE NEMO AS A NAME. It's too cute.
Sorry about the delay in writing. I promise next time I'll find something more interesting to write about. (Or I'll try). Take care,
The Friendly Cynic.
