07 February 2007

Alberta Clipper- GOOD, Nor'Easter - BAD


This morning I woke up to a perfect winter day. Everything was coated in two inches of light fluffy snow! Only heaven could have looked better.

An Alberta Clipper blew through Maryland, Virginia and DC last night between 10PM and 5AM. Let me see if I can explain the science behind that: An Alberta Clipper is a fast moving blast of cold Canadian air sweeping north-west to south east from central Canada over the Mid-Atlantic states. Their speed and low temps usually bring several inches of powdery fluffy snow.

The dreaded Nor-Easter comes up from the south, bringing lots of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and blankets the entire eastern seaboard in deep heavy snow and ice.

This morning, I didn't even bother with the shovel. I took a broom and went crazy up and down my street sweeping everyone's sidewalks clear. I figured - a little cardio before work was a good thing! And best of all, the main streets were clear and there was no ice to be found - just white fluffy snow all over the grass and driveways - it was beautiful! That's what I like, snow - without the danger and peril of ice!

Ice, in and of itself isn't really dangerous, but 95% of the drivers in DC simply can't drive when it gets wet or slippery. If there is even a hint of icy conditions you are guaranteed to have cars flipped over on route 66, multi-car pile-ups on I-95, cars spun off the road on the 495 beltway and dozens of street closing fender benders throughout DC proper. So when I found a light dusting of snow this morning, I was happy!

Let it snow!
Let it snow!
Let it snow!

(and thaw and melt and dry up...)
TTBM

14 comments:

Lisa Johnson said...

Such a nice post! Snow is pretty when you take away the fear of death on the highway factor. : )

The fluffy easy to brush away stuff is great, in small quantities. Glad you had a good morning!

Dangerfield said...

Whats up TBM, you are correct snow is absolutely beautiful although I still hate it. As far as DC drivers go I have heard that same statement about the drivers of other cities. Lastly thanks for the info on Nor Easters and whatnot Peace.

TDJ said...

Yep, today's snow was the kind I like. I have a feeling that we'll be getting a big Nor'Easter sometime this month. I doubt that we can skate through the whole winter without one.

Anonymous said...

Man you got me, I don't know what caused our recent snow here in Chicago, but I will say this much, if I could I would move to Southern Cali an dget "Pictures" of the snow from my relatives here!!

lol

The Thinking Black Man said...

Hey ANALI!

Oh I had a great morning! Didn't you all up in Mass- get a decent snowfall recently? Now, YOU ALL get REAL snow!!!

MARK!What's up brother?

I don't trust anybody on the road in the snow. My ONLY ride in an ambulance came at the hands of careless snow driver not knowing how to handle his car. : )

Hey there TDJ!
A Nor-Easter? Hmmm, as much as I wish I could say naaaaaw, I have to admit that I think you're right. We're overdue! I kinda' figured that those 60 degree days in January would come with a price.
Brrrrrrrrrrrr.

DJ BLACK ADAM
Hey man, you are my Chi-town Brother! All I can say is...

I'm not worthy...
I'm not worthy...
I'm not worthy...

I hear some crazy stories about your town. The lake effect snows, the super-low negative temperatures. No way I could handle that! Ya'll are a special breed out there man!

Tasha said...

The snow was really nice to wake up to, but you are soooo right about the drivers here. I'm not sure if they miss the lesson on driving in inclement weather during driving school or something.

When I see the paltry 1 inch of snow here I miss all that we would get in upstate NY. I went to college in Syracuse, so the snow there was NO joke!

Lisa Johnson said...

We've only had about an inch of snow all season, which is just freakish. I know we are due for a storm. I just hope it's not in May!

Gunfighter said...

I enjoyed yesterday's snow as well... my daughter really enjoyed it especially since schools were closed in Prince William County.

Anonymous said...

Hi, I read you blog from time to time and really enjoy it. I live in Cincinnati where the mere hint of snow sends the city into panic mode. We had a rather large(for us) snow storm Tuesday, and schools began shutting down Monday in preparation for the snow!

Tickledpink said...

Ello again, just passing by to say im moved into my new abode and have got back to geddin my blogger on. Check me out (!) Luv Sam x

Anonymous said...

Well, it snowed today in Long Island, NY. Looked very similar to your picture. And while snow is still a novelty to me, I just wish it was a lil warmer, lol. I miss SoCal weather, fa sho.

CreoleInDC said...

I "swept" the snow away that day as well. :)

N. said...

On behalf of all Canadians: you are welcome. Anytime you want some snow - let us know. We're always willing to share. I've got 2 metres on my lawn - should melt in time for the July long weekend, if I'm lucky.

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