Build-Up to the Snowstorm

“Chances of light snow on Tuesday afternoon. No real accumulation from this snowstorm.”

“Snow beginning Monday night and continuing into Tuesday morning. Likely accumulation away from the coast.”

“Snowstorm starting at 1:00 a.m., getting heavy by sunrise. Tuesday morning’s commute will be difficult. Snow continuing all day with two to four inches along the coast. Six to twelve inches inland and eight to fifteen inches in the mountains. Work from home or leave extra time for your commute.

“The storm will begin late Monday night and get heavier all through the night. Travel will be difficult—stay off the roads if you don’t need to go anywhere. Six to twelve inches in Boston and along the coast. Eight to fourteen inches inland. Greater accumulation in the mountains.”

“Stay tuned as we follow the storm.”

The Big Snow Storm

“Nor’easter hitting New England on Monday night and Tuesday. Keep off the roads if you can. Check list of school closings and cancelled meetings at the bottom of the screen.”

“Boston has declared a snow emergency, starting at midnight on Monday. Move your cah off the road.”

“Jim and Marjorie will not be at the Boston Public Library on Tuesday because the library is closed due to the storm.”

“The doctor’s office may be closed on Tuesday due to the snow.”

“Stay off the roads.”

“This will be the biggest storm to hit New England in two years. Stay in and stay safe.”

And Somewhat Later

“The storm track has changed and is keeping to the south. The South Coast will bear the brunt of the snow. Less accumulation inland.”

“Snow starting around 5:00 a,m. Dusting to an inch along the coast north of the Cape. Mixed snow and rain inland. No measurable accumulation in the mountains.”

Us on Tuesday Morning

“What time is it?”

“About six.”

“Is it snowing?”

“Just started. Pretty light, though.”

“Is it sticking?”

“Umm, a little. You can still see the grass.”

“How are the roads?”

“Just wet.”

“Don’t you have that doctor’s appointment today?”

“They closed because of the storm.”

“And school closed?”

“Yup.”

“So, much ado about very little.”

“Right. Again.”

New England Weather

That’s how it goes with a snowstorm in New England. Lots of warning, a snow emergency, lots of closures, and then nothing much happens. The storm today is dropping light snow and the plows have not come out.

Many people had their schedules disrupted and plans changed for a snowstorm that fizzled. I know that weather forecasting is an imperfect science. Winds change, storms move, and the impact gets smaller or bigger depending on the track.

Still, it is annoying to have one’s life disrupted for nothing bigger than a light storm. Sure, snow keeps falling and accumulating but New Englanders can handle a storm this light with one hand tied behind our backs.

Tomorrow we will go back to whatever normal is for February is these days. In the greater scheme of things, though, we prefer a false alarm to floods, mudslides, wildfires, tornadoes, and other catastrophes.

We were looking forward to an exciting snowstorm, though. Just sayin’.