Well, Belle Plaine, we’ve experienced our first major weather event of the winter season. As the sun rose Thursday morning after our historic early season snowstorm, the stories of how we coped with nearly a day and a half of isolation began pouring out wherever the coffee was perking.
It seems as I grow (not always gracefully) older, the first snowstorm of the season is a shock. And when, as reported by the weather folks, this storm was the third worst on record in regard to statewide average snowfall, it’s a double shock.
This storm reminded me of that ice storm we had a couple of years ago, when we were all shivering in cold houses for a day or so. That was the last time so many of us were stranded for a time.
At those friendly coffee clatches that are a daily ritual in small towns, the talk invariably includes comments about the weather. Those that are in denial like to complain that TV weather forecasters are “never right.” Well, this time, they seemed to be absolutely right. We were warned about this storm up to a week ago. There were no surprises. In fact, although they talked of blizzards, heavy snow and strong winds, they didn’t use some of the language posted by the National Weather Service, which used words like “epic,” “historic” and “dangerous” to describe what we could expect.
So if you would like to continue being in denial and convincing yourself that the TV guys are “never right,” you can go back to consulting your wooly caterpillars, or whatever other way of predicting the weather you prefer. I’ll stick with the local TV folks or the National Weather Service web site.
It always amazes me how many people think they have to venture out and drive to distant cities for seemingly non-essential reasons when storms hit. I know several people in town who are medical or emergency personnel who must commute to Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown or other area cities. But I know a few people who get cabin fever almost as soon as the first snow flake hits the ground and feel they just have to drive 30-40 miles to go shopping.
I guess that’s why we have that legion of underpaid, overworked and often under-appreciated group of sheriff’s deputies, State Patrol officers, ambulance personnel, tow truck operators and snow plow drivers. If someone gets stranded, they rescue them regardless of the reason the motorists were out there in the first place.
Besides the stories of the experiences we have when bad weather hits, one good thing that comes out of it is the general improvement in the mood of folks you meet around town. There’s nothing quite like a good, old-fashion snowstorm to create a common bond among many people. Sometimes when you think you can’t shovel for one more minute and you get frustrated over not being able to get somewhere as fast as you can in the summertime, all you can do is laugh. Whether you use a shiny new snowblower or that 20-year-old shovel, the same amount of snow falls on driveways and sidewalks all over town.
In conclusion, here are a few reminders for this winter season: be a positive nosy neighbor, especially if you live close to someone who is elderly or housebound. Make sure they have enough heat and food and someone to clear their sidewalks. As you are scooping snow this season, if you know where the fire hydrant is in your area, clear the snow from around it so that firemen can find it in case of an emergency. If you see a city snowplow driver, thank him for his work. Sure, you may mutter a bit if the plow piles some snow in front of your driveway. But just remember that earlier this week, when you were safe and warm in your bed in the middle of the night, our crews were behind the wheels of their snowplows, getting the roads open as quickly as possible.
And finally, think warm thoughts. Buy a Hawkeye Orange Bowl t-shirt when they are available. It’ll make you think of Florida. Get that coffee pot or hot chocolate going, bake some cookies. Finish the Christmas cards or decorating the tree. Before you know it, this snow will be gone and we’ll be looking forward to our first splash in our wonderful new aquatics center!