It looks like winter is delivering a major smackdown to our friends in New England. Folks in New Haven, Connecticut, near the prestigious halls of Yale University, are finding themselves in what can only be described as a real-life snow globe scene. As the winds pick up, snow is coming down like confetti in a blizzard party, and it’s already piled up to about six or seven inches. If things keep up like this, they’re looking at a full foot by the time it’s all over.
Visibility is down to less than a quarter of a mile, putting a real damper on any sightseeing plans. It seems the mighty snowstorm is making sure everyone takes a snow day, whether they like it or not. But it appears at least some folks are behaving responsibly — heeding the warnings of emergency management services, who have been urging people to stay home and off the roads. That’s sound advice, especially given the slick conditions and the abundance of abandoned and crashed cars keeping Connecticut State Police busy.
However, not everyone is following instructions. Despite a commercial vehicle ban on RVs, tractor-trailers, and the like, some brave or reckless drivers are defying common sense and risking a $92 fine just to get where they think they need to be. The state has deployed about 600 snowplows, showing the typically understated Yankee determination to keep things moving. Even so, roads remain hazardous proving that sometimes Mother Nature can’t be outgunned, no matter how many plows you throw at her.
As if the snowy whiteout isn’t enough, things are set to get a little more exciting as the sun goes down. The fun, fluffy snow is expected to turn into sleet, leading to the potential for power outages. Ice and power lines do not mix well, a fact that no amount of Yankee ingenuity can overcome. Yet, despite these conditions, some locals are still out there enjoying the winter wonderland, not letting a little thing like an impending sleet storm slacken their spirits.
The storm is expected to persist into the early morning, meaning there will likely be plenty of folks calling in trapped, supporting flannel jammies and fuzzy slippers over work attire. This snowstorm might put a chill on daily Commutes, but it’s also a reminder of the stubborn resilience and occasional craziness of those who call New England home. So, as Connecticut hunkers down to ride out the weather, here’s hoping everyone stays safe, warm, and defiant in the face of Mother Nature’s wintry wrath.
