08 November 2011

Another Cold One & Worse to Come (Updated)

It's nine degrees this morning, and there was another inch of snow on the cars when I left the comfy confines of my house for the 15 minute drive to work. Looks like it's time to get the extension cords out of storage so we can plug in the block heaters at night. We weren't expecting it to get all "wintery" this early in November.

But the weather has other plans. Among other bits o' trivia on the local newscast was mention of "maybe the biggest winter storm we've ever seen" just reaching the west coast (of Alaska, for non-local readers). It's unclear how much of it will reach half-way across the mainland to Anchorage, some 400+ miles away, across several mountain ranges, but it has at least the potential to be bad. Folks on our west coast are being urged to hunker down for a bad time.

Here's the latest on the storm coming this way:
A life-threatening Bering Sea storm is roaring north today at about 60 mph, with hurricane-force winds expected in some areas in Western and Northwest Alaska.

"It's going to be one of the worst in history," said Bob Fischer, lead forecaster for the National Weather Service office in Fairbanks.
Read the rest at the link. It's a big 'un.


Meanwhile, AccuHunch is predicting we'll get below zero tonight, so it's time to break out the heavier coats, too. It's going to be an interesting winter.

* * * * *

On a personal note, I got the 'new' car keys back from Dustin the Mechanic, and now begins the hurry-up-and-wait process of getting the thing inspected, registered/licensed, and the snow tires installed. This would be a great time to have myself cloned, but alas ... technology lags behind the need. Heh.

10 comments:

Stephen said...

Read about this storm on the web this morning. First thing that crossed my mind was how it would effect you, then of those crab boats out on the Bering Sea. Guess those gentlemen are headed for safe harbor. At lease I hope they are...

threecollie said...

I so do not envy your weather at all. Take care!

Duke said...

We have tons of acorns this year, supposed to be a sign of a cold winter.

Old NFO said...

Be safe up there Sir, and planning ahead IS the way to go...

Anonymous said...

Historically when Alaska gets cold, Minnesota eventually follows..

Yuk...I like snow, winter....but as the years increase I am liking it less and less....
Of course having a busted snow blower and a Winter Storm Watch in effect is unsettling...
Darn why oh why is it not in the shop!!
Be safe there!

drjim said...

Way Back When I lived in Northern Illinois I was one of the few that had a block heater. Also had a little heater that sat under the battery to keep it warm.
It was really nice to go out on a -10 morning, and have the car start right up!

ProudHillbilly said...

Alaska has all sorts of bright colors going on all the weather maps right now, and that's never good.

Rev. Paul said...

Stephen, Old NFO, threecollie, maddmedic - thanks.

DrJim - just about everybody here has block heaters, and many have remote starters, too. In places like Fairbanks, there are outlets in parking lots for drivers to plug in their vehicles.

All: Safety is the name of the game. It doesn't pay to take chances when the weather gets nasty. We've already had close to a foot of snow since Oct. 30th.

Guffaw in AZ said...

Bundle everyone up. I know you already have!

Rev. Paul said...

Guffaw: I may even have to transition to long-sleeve shirts!