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| Tastes like ice cream! |
Both my hubby and I are from the north originally (Michigan and NY, respectably). We have never seen the likes of what took place this past Tuesday here in Atlanta (well...except for here in 1982).
I know many in the northern and midwestern states are laughing, "how could that be?" Next time it happens I hope those who are laughing happen to be here visiting and enjoying our Southern hospitality...they won't go home laughing that is for sure!
Fingers are being pointed, and in some instances rightfully so.
1) The weather model was updated in the wee hours of the morning...in plenty of time to change plans for school children.
2) If the children had been kept home, more parents would have stayed home as well because obtaining last minute child care is difficult...thus less adults on the roadways.
3) Trucks (Semis)...forbidden inside the Perimeter (actually they are unless making deliveries, but many were anyhow). Required to have snow chains. If not, pull your rig over! You have a warm cab to sleep in, you most likely have provisions for at least 24 hours, let's face it...you spend your life on the road!!!
None of us will EVER take snow/ice in Atlanta lightly again!!! (forecasted for next week by the way).
When my girls first started driving I made them emergency kits to keep in the car. We will all be getting new ones. My oldest was stranded on the highway for 8+ hours...thankful to have a cup and TP in her truck (just stating the facts mam!)
I do have to give credit where credit is due...administrators, teachers and bus drivers who made the best of a terrible situation need to be applauded! They don't get paid enough for their usual duties...this was WAY beyond the call of duty!!!
Our district was one of the few back in session today (however, we questioned that...two cars slid off the roadway in front of our neighborhood and ended up in ditches and the high school parking lot looked like a skating rink last night!).
We are looking forward to the 65 degree weather forecasted for tomorrow. Yes, welcome to Atlanta's crazy weather!!!
TGIF!!!
14 comments:
This winter is the worst in years Lauren. We have icy roads tonight and more snow on its way!So glad your girls are prepared!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
I am one of those upper midwesterners. While I do admit to chuckling to my friends down south, I know you aren't equipped to handle the freezing rain/ice. I would of gladly sent down our sanding trucks with loads of salt to spread on the roads, but I don't think our DOT would agree to it.
Up here, we have one nice day. By nice, I mean in the 20's or 30's, though sometimes that entails 6+ inches of snow, like yesterday. Today, we are back in the freezer so to speak. We have another bought of -30 and colder weather coming. So tired of this winter.
Smart mama with the emergency kit.
I did not laugh. I have been caught in the South in an ice storm. It is horrible. We could see a hotel about 3 miles ahead of us and it took us almost 5 hours to get there and we were so happy that they had a room left. We had 4 little kids and it was awful.
I think one of the big mistakes was that they closed everything down at once instead of staggering closing times. That would have helped and that is what happens here because we are used to doing things with horrible weather.
We have 'road kits' in our cars here, too...and I use three tin cans-one inside another and a big candle and matches. IF you get stuck the medium can stuck inside the large can with the candle lit acts as a heater and will keep a person from freezing if worst comes to worst. We also have instant coffee and cocoa packets and chocolate bars.
Crazy, isn't it---xo Diana
Hey you do what cha gotta do! I have boys and we have those "emergency" kits in our car too! hehe! Stay safe and I hope the weather gets brighter and warmer for you and your family! XO
The exact thing happened in Raleigh several years ago. We went from maybe a chance of flurries to an ice rink in the middle of the day, It took me four hours to go and get my youngest from school (usually a 15 minute drive). Many roads were closed because we live in a rolling hill area and previous cars had slid down them and off the road. My two oldest daughters almost slept in the carpool car. They were stuck in a stand still with almost 20 cars in front of them in an accident. We luckily all made it home that night, all in tears. My husband was trying to get back in town and all of the cell phone towers were down/overloaded and he had no idea what was going on. Anyways, long story short, I feel your pain. Anyone who has never experienced this type of situation, has no idea.
We heard about all about what you guys in the South faced this week and believe me, we in the Midwest were not laughing...it's never easy to deal with snow or ice, no matter how prepared you are. People like to point fingers. You made so many good points. The good part is that we learn from bad experiences. I think all of you will be better prepared for something like this next year. And I'm so glad you and your family are safe.
Here in Chicago, we are getting warnings steaming across the TV right now that we may have 6 inches by morning and 3 major snowstorms by Wednesday. We've already had 43 inches total since the start of winter. This is a record winter. Yet...the plows and salt trucks pass down my street every few hours during these storms. We are prepared but it's never a great situation.
Take care my friend and thanks for a great take on what's happening by you. :)
XO,
Jane
It was an awful and scary week on so many levels. Georgia needs a plan. And our family is making one too :-). xo
I hope you thaw out this weekend and everything returns to normal! What an experience. As I write this morning the snow is once again falling with 6 more inches expected - normal for us :-)
We're in the same boat here Lauren. When snow and ice hit.. it's tough to drive safely. We just aren't equipped and the ground temp is warm and we are prone to ice. Glad you are all safe and sound and looking forward to seeing y'all thaw out!
Ice is scary! We could sure use some melted ice...aka RAIN...here in California!
I hope you don't hate me for my "whiny baby post" about how I am missing snow and was jealous of everyone receiving snow!!! I know y'all had it rough!!! I'm also just amazed at the reports of how generous and thoughtful and loving some people were by handing out food and water, etc. Way to go ATL and Birmingham!! Soak up the warm weather--you deserve it!! ;) Love!!
Glad to hear the real story. So much press and everyone is pointing fingers at everybody else. I remember ice storms in Texas. Not many but they were brutal. Don't know whether your daughter has experienced one. Great idea on the emergency kits. I put it on my to-do list for the girls. Have a great Super Bowl Sunday, Lauren.
I heard about your ice down there, so scary for you!! Thanks for the reminder about the emergency kit, we have a warm blanket in the car but need a few more things.
Glad everyone in your family is safe! And that warmer temps are on the horizon!
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