Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Nature's Triple Threat Plays Out with White-Out Conditions & Dangerous Cold Setting In


My daughter Lauren may only be four years old but she sure knows how to deal with the coldest weather she has ever seen. She is having a nice cup of hot chocolate. She certainly deserved it after cleaning her room, helping to shovel the driveway, and helping Daddy put away some dishes. She is beyond her years and even though her preschool classes were canceled today she stayed busy and held her own class by reading to me and her stuffed animals. She even taught us about the full moon. I may have a crazy television schedule but it all makes it worthwhile by spending great quality time with Lauren during the mornings and early afternoons. I was also very lucky to have been able to do this with my two oldest daughters Megan and Abbey when they were younger. My wife Julie has the tough job of dealing with the chaos in the evenings while I am at work so I really cannot even begin to thank her for all she has done for me and my family. Thanks Julie. It is because of you that our family can enjoy our cups of hot chocolate and someday I look forward to returning the favor.

Dena Flanagan shows us why it was a terrific day for everybody to stay in and have some hot chocolate! We have 3.2 inches of snow here on the southside of Lafayette as of 3 p.m. The snow will taper off for most of us by 6 p.m. but here comes the arctic blast with sub-zero wind chills and blowing and drifting snow reducing visibilities to near zero. Travel is not advised as wind chill warnings take hold across the area. If you do not need to go out do not do so. We have not seen anything like this since 1994 when the combination of snow, wind, and dangerous cold kept us below zero for daytime highs. This may repeat itself tomorrow. I will be back with snowfall totals, pictures, and more on this historic arctic outbreak on the way. Stay safe and warm! I appreciate all the wonderful reports, pictures, weather observations, road conditions, good advice, and overall you have once again proved that WLFI has the most dedicated weather bloggers around. Here are the official weather watcher snowfall totals from where you live.

It was good to hear from Diana Marion from Bluewater Beach in Monticello that was transformed into a winter wonderland with about 4.5 inches of snow. She tells us she would much rather have all this snow and cold than last year's flood aftermath we were dealing with. Thanks for the positive thoughts and beautiful picture of the river which is in its banks and almost totally ice and snow-covered.

I met some excited snow plowers yesterday and the wolves at Wolf Park have to rank a close second on that list as they howled their approval of our snowy day. A big thanks to Monty Sloan for once again bringing those beautiful wolves to us here on the weather blog.


Lauren was outside shoveling with me and we had a great time. The good news it was a light fluffy snow so even a four year old could push it around. But this unusually fluffy snow will tend to blow around easily by late tonight and Thursday. Our snow to liquid ratio was about 30:1 which is about two and a half times the normal. As we all know the five inches of snow you see on the list above in Brookston can easily build into a two foot snowdrift so be careful out there. Hurry up and shovel while you can before the real arctic outbreak hits. I will have more on why it will be one for the books tonight on the news and tomorrow here on the blog! Stay warm and be safe, especially on those north-south roads when the wind kicks up.

92 comments:

Anonymous said...

I to now have 3.2" here in lafayette as well! Snow is already slowed down a LOT!

I did get out a little bit ago to play with my dog Dobby! Boy he loves the snow! However tomorrow I don't think I will let him go out and roll around in it! They can get frost bite just as we can!

Justin in Lafayette

Anonymous said...

Do you advise local travel this evening or is it going to be too bad? Not sure whether to cancel those dinner plans.
Also, at what point (if any) are local businesses required to close or let employees come in late/go home early? Is there any set requirements for that?

Anonymous said...

Private businesses each have their own attendance policy/procedure. If employees need to leave due to weather conditions, most employers allow employees to use vacation/personal time to cover the lost time.

Anonymous said...

We had 4 inches of snow here on the north end of Lafayette.

Anonymous said...

What a relief to see that the snow is ending. Once again, it was amazing to see the snowfall amount nearly double once I passed north of the Fulton/Cass County line. Visibility was about 1/2 mile in Fulton County, and I was impressed that the plows were able to keep the main highway clear.

Stay safe/warm!!!!

FC

Anonymous said...

Tomorrow it may repeat itself meaning more snow tomorrow???? Or meaning the wind?

Anonymous said...

We have 5" of snow in Delphi! It's a good thing it is a powdery snow...

Anonymous said...

It won't be good thing tonight/tomorrow because of blowing snow =(

Anonymous said...

Just a hair over 5 inches so far in Tipton....still snowing....no wind....YET!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Boy Ice and I don't mix! :) lol!
I was just out getting a path for the dogs and there I went! lol!

I think that makes four times today! I LOVE WINTER! ;)

Justin.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if you can make snow ice cream with this powder? If it was a little more wet it would be great.

William in remington

Anonymous said...

Just made snow ice cream for the kids and they gave great reviews.

Anonymous said...

Don't use the yellow snow to make lemon snow ice cream.

Anonymous said...

Oooh cool! How do you make snow ice cream (yes, no yellow).

Anonymous said...

snow, milk, vanilla extract.

Anonymous said...

I am looking for some good weather links and resources to study. I would like to learn as much as possible about weather. Any suggestions would be great.

Anonymous said...

don't forget the sugar for the ice cream

Anonymous said...

I like to use www.weatherbug.com. I like their maps.

Anonymous said...

Here in Rem I have a reading of 9 with west winds at about 7mph.

Anonymous said...

WBAA said Tippecanoe County had issued a Level 3 Snow Emergency, or so I thought. I can't find out anything about it, though. Is it true or not? Until when? What does that mean?

Anonymous said...

I head the same as the poster on the level 3 emergency, here is what it means I think)

Level 3 does not restrict travel on roadways, but it warns residents not to park their vehicles in places that would interfere with snow removal.

We could be up graded to a level 2 in the nex 48 hours!

Anonymous said...

I know all thoughts are the weather but I want to congratulate you on your great time in the Disney Marathon. Having run it 3 times myself, I appreciate the sacrifice and time commitment that go into marathon training. It is especially difficult to train in Indiana Fall and Winter weather and race in heat and humidity. Add to all of this the pressure knowing that your viewing audience know your outcome!! Congratulations on your tremendous accomplishment!

Anonymous said...

William or Mary anne,

How much snow did you all end up with?? I have 3.3" As a final total!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

5.5 is my final total in Tipton. Waiting on the winds....and the brutal arctic temperatures!

Chris in Tipton

Anonymous said...

Check out Brian Wolfe's blog - provides more in-depth information:

wolfcast.blogspot.com

&

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~mwolfe

Anonymous said...

I am watching my neighbors dog while they are on vacation. Its a outside dog but he's in the garage at night because it has been cold! How cold is to cold for a outside dog?? This may be a silly question but I have no clue.... Thanks

Anonymous said...

I wonder if TSC is ever going to call a delay for tomorrow?...

Anonymous said...

Is this a possible thunder freeze?

Anonymous said...

funny how Lafayette already has a delay and TSC don't have anything posted!

Anonymous said...

I also think it is odd that the two schools that had a delay this morning stayed all day at school and also they are the two schools that do not have a delay yet!!!

Anonymous said...

Anyone near or around Stockwell have snow fall totals???

Anonymous said...

I know I'm an McC student and the delay this morning was a total waste because after they called the weather got worse. My simple advice is check the weather before you call the delay/cancellation.

Anonymous said...

Ya my son goes to a TSC school and I didn't send him this morning! I can not figure out why they would have a two hour delay when roads were "ok" knowing that things were going to get worse thru the day!

Anonymous said...

In my opinion they should have just cancelled school after the 2hr delay

Anonymous said...

What is TSC waiting for, are they afraid because they called a delay too early today? It is going to be dangerous for kids to be out in the cold tomorrow, all the city schools have delays and Clinton Prarie is cancelled. Wake up and get with the program TSC...

Anonymous said...

Just spoke to a friend in Stockwell - she said around 3.5 inches of snow there.

Anonymous said...

Well in all reality the schools should just cancel for tomorrow anyway...a 2hr delay isn't going to make much difference..its still going to be freezing!!! I'm sure alot of people's cars probably won't even start!

Anonymous said...

Richard Wood would have already canceled school for tomorrow....

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the total anonymous :)

Anonymous said...

LOL..I'm too lazy to do an identity..and I have been fired up all day over TSC, my kids go there and it just iritates me on some of their calls!

Anonymous said...

Omg..they acutally cancelled school for the whole day..tsc that is!!

Anonymous said...

They just canceled! About time!!!

Anonymous said...

how cold does it have to get to close purdue?

Anonymous said...

What about work ;) lol

Anonymous said...

justin.

4.9" at my location in the country.

i saw someone was looking for weather info. if you look at the rest of the blogg several of us have posted sites we use. I have posted several in the last few days. If you need me to I can post them again.

william in remington

Anonymous said...

Thanks William!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

Now about TSC, for those who watch tv and read the J&C, Mr. Woods, stated that he himself and some other "got up at 4:00 am and drove to check the road conditions" Then the call would be made" How many road miles in the Tipp. School disctict? A couple of hundred at least! I really think why school was canceled was for the Level 3 emergency! Or did Mr. Woods slip and slide on his Drive to check things out? Then decided to cancel??

Anonymous said...

To mjr. This weather is way to cold for an outside dog! Make sure he has plenty of bedding ect! Take him in if you can. please!!!

How awful animals are kept out in this kind of weather. God willing and your help the dog will not freeze! Think of it this way would you lock a dog in a garage or a car with themps over 90* heat index of 110* No way they would die..

Get that dog in to a warm place!

Anonymous said...

cont..the same with the cold! did you read about the dog that was frozen to a side walk? the temps were only around something like 18* when that happend! Take the dog in pleeezzz!!!

Anonymous said...

Foggy up here in Remington with the snow blowing around. Cleaned a path out to the barn to feed the animals and had to do it over again to get back to the house. Gonna be interesting in the morning. William in remington

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the reply on outside dog anonymous! I will get him in tonight. Hope they don't mind but, I would rather have him inside chewing something up than frozen when I go feed him in the morning!

Anonymous said...

MJR,

Outside dogs are better prepared for this than inside dogs. Still they need shelter from the winds and snow. Your garage should be fine as long as the doors/windows are closed and he is insulated from the floor like with dog pillow, blankets, cardboard box with blankets in the bottom etc. Fresh water is always a must for animals outside.

william in remington.

Anonymous said...

Ok so he has a bed in the garage fresh food and water. This is a two car garage that has been pretty much turned into his dog house since the weather was so cold a couple weeks back. So do I let him in their house or is he ok in the garage?

Anonymous said...

With the 2 hour delay for LSC, what time do lsc elementary schools start?

Anonymous said...

he should be just fine. You would actually do him harm to bring him inside due to the heat. his coat is too thick to be inside and then put back outside once his owners get back home. william in reminton

Anonymous said...

Hi all! my first time posting for the day! William thank you for sharing all the cool web sites!

Was a pretty snow fall through out the day. Was watching from windows at work.

Hey Justin whats up? Are you busy watching radars??

The temps are really falling at this, however little wind at this time.

I let my dogs out for their last call. They were playing in the snow and refused to come in when I called, just a min or so later they came limping to the door, their feet were freezing! Only out for about 4 mins!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks william
I have been stressing over this all evening!

Dog sitting is hard...

Anonymous said...

dog shoes made or purchased are man's best friend best friend. The ice between the pads really hurt and can cause them to bleed.

william in remington

Anonymous said...

mjr,

you are welcome.

Anonymous said...

sorry but I disagree about the dog! I would not let him stay in a garage in temps he has never experinced! Yes he has a fur a warm coat, but he needs warmth. I would say he would be fine after the temps rise into the teens this is far too cold for that dog. Belive me I know for I have worked with animals for over 30 years! I have witnessed and cared for way too many that have suffered from the elements of weather!

Anonymous said...

Yep I'M here!

William is right about the dogs feet! We stand by the door and watch them until they are done! Then we pick them up and dry there paws!

We have little dogs so they don't stay out long!

Justin.

Anonymous said...

MJR,

Is this usually an outside dog? then i would let him in like the other post said. william in remington

Anonymous said...

hope i did not offend anyone?

william in remington

Anonymous said...

anyone know the start time for lsc elementary schools tomorrow?

Anonymous said...

He is a outside dog year round!
Now I am confused on what to do again.
Sounds like if I put him inside it will harm him and if I leave him in the garage it will harm him...

Anonymous said...

What time do they normally start in the morning?

Anonymous said...

all i can say is PUT YOURSELF IN THE DOGS POSITION. Far too cold, The dog need a space that is not wide open, rather a small area, enough to stand up and turn around so it can retain its body heat! Would you walk on a concreat floor in these temps? Dogs belong inside to be our companions! They feel hot and cold, they are loyal! Give them back what they give to you...

Anonymous said...

Mjr,
Sorry to confuse you. If all else call the owner and see what they say. William in remington

Anonymous said...

8:25, but I remember something about 10am and not 10:25am for lsc elementaries. i obviously can't find my paper info and there is no time online.

Anonymous said...

Purdue needs to cancel classes. now.

Anonymous said...

Don't be sorry William thanks for the help...
I am waiting on the owners to call back now! I will let them make this call...

Anonymous said...

If I was in this situation I would take my kids at 10:25. It says two hour delay, if they have certain times for diffrent schools they should put the times on T.V, Radio ect...

Anonymous said...

Hi all Teri here, mjr, oh goodness a tough place to be in! How old is the dog? Make sure he gets extra food, and water does not freeze. Also be sure he does have a small place where he can cuddle up and retain his body heat. I, myself would take him in..sorry!!!

I know this is not much help to you, for you are torn! What a nice person you must be to have taken on this task! Good luck!
William, you have given good advice as well!

Anonymous said...

Thanks Teri!
I am really torn because I would feel aweful if I let them in the owners house and he tore everything up because he is not use to being indoors. Then on the other hand I don't want him to freeze either...
Thanks to everyone for the advice!

Anonymous said...

What time do your kids normally go to school?? Its a two hour delay, so two hours later than their normal starting time! Only two hours!So if the are to be at school at 8:15 without a delay then 10:15 would be them time they need to be there tomorrow. Just take them two hours later than you useally do!

Anonymous said...

You are welcome mjr, You sound to be a very caring person.Good luck! Been there done that, Doggie care that is:)

Teri

Anonymous said...

The last time it got this cold (in 1994) I was a student at Purdue! They never did cancel classes but I had a 7:30 class (Chemistry lab) and I braved the cold with a friend who also had a 7:30. We got to our class and there was a note on the door saying the lab had been canceled! Call your TA or professor to find out! I seriously doubt Purdue will cancel! Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Is it supposed to be just as cold Friday as it is going to be tomorrow? More school cancellations?

Jim in Westpoint

Anonymous said...

Is to be colder on Friday!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi guys, its Becky up here in monticello. called my district manager tonight told huim i would not be going out at 2 am to deliver the jc,don;t think he was to happy but like i told him with a little over 200 papers to deilvier and over half of them i have to get out and take to the porches i wasnt going to take a chance. i will wait closer to morning, love the snow but not the bitter cold. take care, and i wonder if " Love thy neighbor " would count for keeping warm or a pet. just kidding thought i would give a bit of humor in here.. Becky

Anonymous said...

LSC, JUST CANCEL! WAY TOO COLD FOR KIDS!!!TWO HOURS JUST WONT DO IT!!!! IT IS TO GET COLDER AS THE DAY GOES ON!

Anonymous said...

i can;t believe this nothing on Twin Lakes, can you believe that dont know what ole Tom is waiting on,,

Anonymous said...

Rs, no minutes on phone, talked to " Dumbo " told him i was not going out till late morning. grumbled at first but then agreed. keep warm and safe. let me know how yours went.

Anonymous said...

GET THIS!Hanback, as well as the superintendents for the Lafayette School Corp. and West Lafayette Community School Corp., said that a lot of factors come in to play when determining whether there should be a delay or cancellation.

In addition to snow and cold temperatures, numbers of students walking to school and even humidity, as well as other factors, are considered.

With the right combination of temperature and humidity, fuel for some school buses can start to gel, said LSC Superintendent Ed Eiler. "That makes it hard to start them."

ALOT OF KIDS ARE WALKERS!!!!

Anonymous said...

i heard one time dont know if this is true, if the schoold cancel they dont get the funding for the day so if they can make it till noon they get it $$,, what does that tell you, ( if its true )

Anonymous said...

They have to get 180 days in, and if they cancel all will be made up on holidays off such as Monday, as well at the end of the school year will be extended, Why not allow for snow days ! Make it up that is dangerous weather as far as temps. Frost bite in 10 mins. or less, who gives a darn about school bus fuel becoming gel. the fact is kids walk stand wait for the buses, And some silly kids just do get how cold it really is unlike adults who should be looking out for them! The school will rule but parents are not to drool, just dont send you kids, My a day off??? the end of the world!!

Could be the end of a nose or a finger or a toe!

Anonymous said...

Becky i don't think we will go out till morning. The country roads will probably be hard to get down to deliver papers. We have a hill like you did on the route you had out in the country. I'm not going to get stuck out there in this weather. He will half to get over it. Take care and let me know how your doing. RS

Anonymous said...

it is the parents responsibility to dress their children appropriately, not to whine about having school. There are places all the upper Midwest that go through this weather routinely and there kids survive. With the right clothing, and no exposed skin you have a better chance of slipping and getting hurt than severe frostbite and hypothermia.

-allan

Anonymous said...

That may be true for Minnesota. However, they are used to that kind of weather. Our children are not used to below zero temps. I am lucky my child does not have school tomorrow. And if they did have school here tomorrow I would keep him home! He has not missed any school at all this year so I would not feel bad about keeping him home during these extremely cold temps. If I were to take him to school in this I would not only have to expose him to the extreme cold but also my newborn daughter and my 1 1/2 year old as well. Not going to happen.
There's no need to gripe and try to make parents that worry over the safety of their children feel silly.

Anonymous said...

its not a gripe just saying. being "used" to a temperature doesn't make it any different, dressing for it does. Give it a shot, you will be surprised. People seem to bring there kids skiing on vacation in Utah on days with similar wind chill but when at home and outside for less time it is too dangerous. How many unsupervised kids today are going to be driving around and outside anyway? I would say a decent amount of teens.

-allan

Anonymous said...

I can say for a fact that schools do not lose funding for the day if we cancel. It is just another day that we will have to make up at another time. Schools also have to take into account all the parents who work full time jobs and complain every time we delay or close because it causes problems for them related to day care. Many children will be left at home alone today to take care of themselves because their parents cannot afford to miss work. This is another reason why schools often delay to give them more time to make these crucial decisions.

Anonymous said...

To the poster of weather and delays in Minnesota. Have you checked all the school delays and closings for that state??? on line?? hundreds and hundreds of them! Check it out!

yep the students do survie for they do cancel school! Check out the curent conditions for Minnesota and other states in the upper mid west.

You should check out the real facts before you post!