Blizzard of 2008

For once the weather forecasters were right!  Thursday, the people "in the know" began warning about a "big" winter storm heading our way.  We have heard this all before - many times - only to receive a portion of what was predicted.  This time what they called for happened.

Beginning late yesterday morning, the snow began to fall.  By late afternoon, several inches were on the ground.  Some schools dismissed students early, and the snow plow operators were beginning to work hard to keep the streets and roads clear.  By evening, they were having trouble keeping ahead of the falling snow.  By then the wind had picked up, and what snow had fallen was blowing and drifting along with more adding to the accumulations.

  At 11:00 pm, most roads were becoming impassible.  Motorists were sliding into the ditches, and my husband, who is a fireman, was called to assist with many accidents.

My Saturday began with a phone call telling me not to come into work today!  I was like a school kid on snow day!!!!  I hadn't looked outside to see first hand the reason for my unexpected "mini" vacation.  Gazing out my french doors, I quickly learned why!  Several inches (6-10") had fallen, winds were gusting around 20 miles per hour, and I could see 2-3' drifts in my driveway and down my street.  The forecasters were right!  By mid morning, my husband ventured out to try and shovel the driveway.  Over a foot of snow had blown in and had our vehicles blocked.

  Not good for a rescue worker.  Bill went to work, and an hour and a half later, had most of the way clear.  No city snow plows had yet been by on the street!

During lunch, Bill was notified that our county was going on a level 3 alert - meaning only necessary emergency travel was permitted, and everyone else would be escorted off the roads until further notice.  Being the fire chief, he responded with help to other emergency departments in the county, and offered assistance to the Red Cross shelter being established at a local church.  His department had been called out a few times for possible injury accidents, so the radio and cell phones were busy! 

On one of his runs, I bundled up and joined him for the ride.

  I wanted to see beyond my backyard just what was happening in the county.  My pictures were the result of that trip.  Most people were observing the emergency declaration with a few others venturing out to take their chance.  We have a couple major highways passing through Wyandot County, and for the most part, only semi trucks were traveling the one lane partially clear of snow.  In downtown Upper, the streets had been declared a snow emergency meaning you would be ticketed if you were parked on designated snow streets.  The city crews were trying to clear the streets and parking area.  Large snow piles were springing up like flowers.  The sidewalks were deserted as merchants were closed for the day.  Only the stoplights continued their regular job without interruption! 

Once back home, nothing such as this snowstorm could prevent the mail from arriving!  Our newspaper and mail were delivered in this the worst of weather!  We were surprised that they could even get close enough to put the mail in the box!  Unusual snow formations hung from our roof!  Our house really looks like a Courier and Ives Christmas card!  

Bill had called the local radio station (WXML - 90.

1) to ask people to please shovel and make accessible any fire hydrants in their yard.  Backing his word, I captured him working on the hydrant in our front yard.  And for the third time today, he shoveled the drive and walk.  His pager once again beckoned with assistance needed at a multiple vehicle accident on the highway. 

And through all this..............................................   it is still snowing!!!!  There is probably 12-13" of snow blowing around in Wyandot County!  I'm not sure this qualifies as a weekend trip, but it sure gives us something to do!