Friday, December 23, 2022

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Like many other areas of the country and over the border in Canada, we're experiencing some real winter weather today.  It's supposed to last until 8 a.m. on Sunday morning so we're in for a stretch of it.
 
I guess it's fortunate we have no snow falling just now because we have winds gusting up to 60 mph and a wind chill factor of -30°.  At times, it's a whiteout condition looking out the window.
 

This is the snow drift blown up against our living room windows.  The tip of it has got to be 8' from the ground.  I've not been out today thanks to my dear husband.  After morning chores he reported the drifts he had to go through were the consistency of cement.  Our temp right now at a little after noon is 7° and the snow that's blowing is very light so has been packed good and tight.
 
Speaking of my husband, he left a short time ago to walk out to get our mail on the road in front.  (Should I have his head examined?)  He was eager to do it as he's spent the morning sorting through some winter camping gear and clothing.  He said it will be a great test to the outfit he donned before leaving.  Did I want to go with him?  NOOOOO.
 
Okay, he just returned and is pleased as punch to report the outfit he had on kept him toasty.  Of course, he was moving right along which no doubt helped keep his body heat percolating.  He also said we have a tree down across the driveway which he was able to get around with no trouble, but it's made the driveway impassable by a vehicle.
 
So I will be big and brave, suit up and go out with him to help remove the tree.  Daughter is available, too, so she wanted to join in the fun.  What?  Doesn't sound like fun to you?
 
* * * * * * * *
 
Back in from the tree removal operation.  It was a larger tree than Papa Pea had first thought.  A full, healthy spruce so it took him more time to cut off the branches with the chainsaw, while daughter and I picked up and tossed them off the side of the driveway, than it did to cut the trunk into pieces.  We stacked them off to the side and will pick them up later as they'll be good firewood when seasoned.
 
It was, indeed, cold even though we were all working and getting exercise.  I wasn't comfortable with the wind howling and big trees on either side of us creaking and swaying.  But it went well and I'm finally getting warmed up.
 
Did I say a real blizzard needs snow along with wind?  Well, it's started to snow now so things may get very interesting before this storm passes.
 
 
 Snow drift is growing!
 
For all of you in the path of this widespread storm, stay safe and ready for power outages which are likely to occur. 

11 comments:

DFW said...

Guess I can't complain about our 20s & teens for the next three nights. Hoping the wind will die down. We aren't built for 10 degree wind chills here in the deep south. Stay safe & warm & enjoy your White Christmas.

Mama Pea said...

DFW - I know your current temps probably seem low to some, but for us it sounds almost warm! Sending good holiday wishes to you, too. Enjoy the time in any way you choose to do so. Merry Christmas!

Leigh said...

The arctic front finally made it to my neck of the woods today. Temp is currently 15 F and still falling. I was hoping maybe it wouldn't get this far south! I have no idea what the wind chill is, but we've had a lot of wind today and none of the animals want to go out.

Does the snow drift help block wind and drafts hitting your house?

Mama Pea said...

Leigh - Omigosh! That is really cold for you. I wonder if your weather is the same system that is punishing us? If so, it's one whopper of a large storm. Since snow banked up against our house does definitely help to insulate it and keep it warmer I'm assuming the snow drift might do the same. However, the wind hitting that side of the house is what continues to pile the snow up against those windows. It continues to grow as time goes on!

Michelle said...

Our weather is nothing compared to yours, but I HAVE broken out my insulated overalls and am making good use of some warm, waterproof boots I found on eBay recently!

SmartAlex said...

Thankfully our rain didn't last long so we did not have an ice problem. We got a couple of inches of dry snow yesterday morning which the wind made the most of all day. The thermometer on the porch hit zero last evening and its still there. The airport was claiming -6 at the time. Still howling winds but so far no catastrophes. Its brisk out!

Mama Pea said...

Michelle - Hooray for insulated coveralls and warm boots! Now if you just have the gloves/mitts covered, you're in good shape!

SmartAlex - Good to hear your "storm" situation is as good as it is. Remarkable what the wind can do with just a couple inches of snow, isn't it? We're outside of town and have had little damage from the wind but in town, a record wind reading of 71 mph was recorded overnight and several businesses suffered damage. Two lost roofs which is definitely not a good thing this time of year. Others had damage but not as bad as losing a roof. Wind is still gusting, trees bent and the drifts growing. Power is out for much of the county. We're fine here with our wood stoves, alternate energy and a generator if needed.

Shepherdess55 said...

Merry Christmas!
Wishing you all the best in 2023.

Mama Pea said...

Shepherdess55 - And the very same to you! :o)

tpals said...

Crazy storm system,isn't it? I was looking forward to tomorrow being above zero, but it's also supposed to snow more and blow. An entire flock of sparrows decided to sit out the cold inside the chicken coop. Poop everywhere.

Mama Pea said...

tpals - Omigosh! I've never heard of a block of wild birds seeking refuse in a chicken coop! (Smart birds.) We've had only one or two birds at our suet balls or feeders today. The wind must be too strong for them to fly safely. But the poor little things will be so hungry they'll have to come out of hiding shortly. Our winds are supposed abate tomorrow morning. I sure hope so.