Let it snow

Since Christmas day, the Pawling area has received more than seven feet of snow, the snow has set records for the most in one month and the most snow in a 24-hour period. Accompanying this heavy snow are very cold temperatures, some dropping to 20 below zero in late January.

In our region, heavy snow and prolonged cold weather is not an unusual occurrence. In the last 50 years this type of severe winter weather has come in waves. During the mid 90s we had a string of winters where we had severe cold and snow. During the winter of 1995 it snowed a foot every Wednesday. In the mid 90’s the weather stayed cold, the snow did not melt between storms, and it piled up. This is similar to what we are seeing this winter.

The mother of all snow storms blasted into our region February 1969. The blizzard of 1969, “The Lindsey Snow Storm,” was named after then New York City Mayor John Lindsey. No one expected the four feet of snow that paralyzed the city and the burbs.

In Pawling, the snow that fell that year was whipped around during the blizzard and drifted into 10 foot waves on open areas in Holmes and Quaker Hill. In some areas travel was restricted to snow mobiles until loaders were able to get through.

Long range forecasters are telling us that February will also be an above average snow month.

It’s been a while since we have had cold and snow like this. It’s important that we take precautions during these extreme conditions. Here are some precautions to take while the snow continues to pile up:

• Don’t try to shovel all the heavy snow at once. Shoveling snow is strenuous work and can stress back and heart muscles. Take your time. Slow and steady wins the race.

• Heavy snow piled on roofs can cause problems. I have seen windows crack, gutters clog, and roofs leak because of heavy snow loads. Don’t try and get up on the roof o clear it yourself. Hire a reputable company that is insured for this type of work.

• When driving on snowy roads, slow down! Most of us drive too fast on snow covered roads. Sudden stops are impossible. Once again, slow and steady wins the race.

• Let’s work as a team. Helping one another get through this rough winter will benefit us all. Hire a kid to shovel the walk and dig out the car. They can use the money, and we could use the help. Check on neighbors. Many of our neighbors could use the assistance.

A snowy winter adds interest to an ordinarily boring time of year. So, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Pete and the Natives

www.nativelandscapes.net