The Storm

[merryyon]

The storm has hit, there is thunder, lightening and sleet coming down on our severly parched land!  We'll take it!  Firecrews called out about 15 miles away, lightening induced grass fire. During  supper we were discussing the improvements of weather forecasting now as compared to when we were little in the '70s.  What  a blessing it is to know what is coming and what time it'll arrive.  Sounds like rain now, hopefully it won't freeze on everything like last year...big ice, no electricity. 

[suey1973]

I figure everyone of us are in the bull's eye.    We are suppose to get 9 - 13"  of snow.   It is suppose to start around noon,  with an 1" per hour.    All area schools are closed today.     Took my in-laws to Dr. Appointments yesterday,    They did not realize we were to get 2-3"  yesterday afternoon.   We rearranged work schedules and I took the day.   Started snowing at noon. and continued all afternoon.   So they were really glad I drove.   Plus,   I did the grocery shopping while they were at their second appointment.     But,   I did get paid...   Black Ice in a parking lot.   Just a little bitty bit of a pool covered with light snow and I never saw it.    I have a bruise bigger than my hand on one thigh.    I'm not hurt.   I can't lay on that side  but quite able to go out and take care of my pigs  as long as I don't hit it on something.   

I expect we will hunker down this afternoon and most of tomorrow.   We are suppose to load 100 mkt hogs Thursday morning.   We shall see.    Everyone stay safe and warm.   

[turkey feather]

It appears that we are on the edge between heavy snow and ice and heavy rain. We have a light coating of ice but local school is in session. It will be an interesting 24 hours until this passes while we wait to see which we get, lots of snow or ice or rain. But we are ready for whatever we get.

[MN cowgirl]

We had a storm from Canada yesterday...got 8 inches of light fluffy snow.  Today we are supposed to get 30 mile per hour winds.  Most schools are cancelled in anticipation of a ground blizzard.  Supposed to get -18 degrees tonight with "who knows what" windchill. 

Luckily we are not going to get anything from the storm coming up from the south that the middle of the nation is going to get.

Good luck everyone!  Break out the candles, flashlights and snowshoes!

[linda/IL]

We're getting it now full force.  Our school went today but dismissed at 1.  I can't see the neighbors.  It's terrible.  My van which I left at body shop had some repair & they just called to ask if I wanted them to just put it in until Thurs. afternoon or Fri.  YES!!  I'm going nowhere.

This seems like it's been a long hard winter.  Maybe 'cuz we're older.  Wouldn't be quite so bad if you just watched from the house but - - .  Asked if each of our parents wanted to come here to stay it out, but they haven't called.  To be honest it will be enough to take care of the animals.

We're on the 12-15" group.  Lucky aren't we?  Just called & canceled mom's appt. at Ia. City for recheck on her eye.  I'm not venturing out w/a 90 yr. old even on Thurs.

[merryyon]

Jerry & the boys fed this am, they said our cows "look like sheep".  I ventured out to check on my chickens, they look a bit bedraggled, but are still alive.  Hopefully the worst of our portion is over, the wind is strong, whipping the snow everywhere.  The sun is shining, it's a good thing. 

[suey1973]

It's Hereee!   Got here about noon.   Sent the employee home at 11:30.    Let him borrow some movies.   I hope that keeps him home without venturing out.    DH is out trying to find the scoop shovels.   I'll need one to get in the farrowing house next time I go out.   Will check around 7PM for any catastrophies.     All the rechareable flashlights are charged.   Hope we don't need them.    

[Kay/NC]

Glad to see you guys are keeping power.  That storm looks like it's socking a lot of populous areas...100 million people snowed under!   

[wt510151]

We have about 5-6 inches over 1/4 inch of ice. Not the funnest stuff to drive on. Got my fall in on Friday at the hog buyer's. Was still thinking of biosecurity with those plastic boots on and was walking through water. Boy was I wrong. Water was on top of ice and my front got all wet when it hit. Haven't felt really good since. Be careful out there ladies, it is dangerous weather. 

[linda/IL]

Words can't begin to describe the mess here.  Calves & heifers walked over top of fences & feeders impatient for their feed.  The drifts are 5'.  Snow INSIDE some of the buildings up to my knees.  (had to leave an opening for livestock to get to waterers) 

NO POWER yesterday for 5 1/2 hrs.  Couldn't get to the generator-snowed in there.  (The scene between DH & me wasn't pretty about that)  Had to go get FIL in the blizzard-too stubborn to come when it was decent yet.  Now I find out his lasik med. is still at his house.  Our road isn't plowed & our drive is completely snowed in.  gonna be awhile.

I now know:  1) The oven with an electronic start will not stay lit even if it's going when the power goes out  2) The gas fireplace without electronic igniter will stay lit but without the blower the mantle will get scorching hot  3)  Our converted livestock setup isn't setup for blizzards  4) We're too old for this "stuff"  My country pioneer days are long gone   5) This will be our last winter milking cows  

BUT it's the 1st of Feb. and we're getting closer to spring AND DH saw 2 robins while plowing snow.  Stay warm tomorrow!