I think I am beginning to miss the snow!

I never thought I would say this, but I am actually missing the snow this winter. Tomorrow is the first day of February and I have only scraped my car window once. The reason I think of this today is because of the snow that is currently falling in Southwest Missouri, where I grew up. Not to mention that they even got about an inch of snow in Lubbock, TX- a place that I have called home for the past two winters. And Lake Effect snow was always a big story in Northwest Indiana, where Valpo didn't cancel class but once that I can remember. And that was only because the power was off in the classroom buildings due to ice.

But today, schools in Springfield, Missouri are letting out early. And winter storm watches, winter weather advisories, and heavy snow warnings are seen from Central Oklahoma all the way up to Maine. Now that I think of it, this might be a good time to talk about the differences between all these watches, warnings, and advisories. The first thing to know is that these are issued by National Weather Service offices across the country.

I got this directly from the National Weather service office in Springfield, MO:

Winter Storm Watch- Conditions are favorable for the development of hazardous winter weather conditions that Winter Storm warning criteria but the occurrence is still uncertain. Watches are issued 24 to 48 hours in advance of hazardous winter weather.

Winter Storm Warning- Snowfall with an accumulation 6" or greater or a combination of freezing rain, sleet, and/or snow that results in hazardous or life threatening conditions. Winter storm warnings are issued within 12 to 36 hours of the event. Warnings for combination events are generally be issued when significant ice accumulations (at least a glaze ) and snow accumulations of 3 inches or greater are expected.

Heavy Snow Warning- All Snowfall with an accumulation 12" or greater.

Ice Storm Warning- Ice accumulations of 1" or greater expected.

Winter Weather Advisory- Issued for snow accumulations less than 6" or the combination of snow, freezing rain/drizzle, sleet that cause a significant inconvenience but does not meet warning criteria. Advisories are issued within 12 to 36 hours of the event.

Freezing Rain/Drizzle Advisory- Hazardous ice accumulations less than 1/4" expected.

Blizzard Warning- Sustained or frequent gusts to 35 kts or more and 1/4 mile visibility or less in falling and/or blowing snow expected within 12 to 36 hours.

Something you have to remember, however, is that these numbers don't always apply for all locations or all events. For instance, a location that is accustomed to winter weather may not have the same warnings issued for a similar event in a location that ususally doesn't see that type of weather. Meteorologists at the weather service are able to customize the warnings to their particular regions.

But back to missing the winter weather- When we were little we always had snowsuits. People in Texas and many people who haven't skiied before can't believe that I ever owned a snowsuit. But yes, everytime we had a snow day, we pulled on those snow pants. We put on our coats, gloves, and hats to match. And while it wasn't cold enough to freeze the lakes, there was always plenty of snow for sledding, snowmen, and even orange juice snowcones.

There was definitely plenty of snow in Northwest Indiana during the four winters that I went to school at Valpo. Walking through feet of snow to get to class was nothing. However, driving to an internship in Chicago 2x a week one winter was always exciting! After that, I was happy to head to the Sunny Lone Star State. And while the temperatures overall were milder, and we didn't get nearly as much snow as we did in Valpo, I still had enough wintry weather each season. And I had my fill of scraping my car windshield, tracking dirty snow into my house, and even doing live shots for the news in freezing rain. And while I may have complained about standing in the cold, merely to tell people that it was cold outside and the streets would be slick and to slow down, I actually missed that this year!

Don't get me wrong- I already LOVE South Carolina winters. When the temperature dips into the 30s, let alone the 20s or teens, I immediately forget what those negative wind chill values felt like! I don't miss the runny noses, the freezing fingers and toes, and putting on layers of clothes until I could hardly move, I do miss the snow. Ask me again next year- maybe I will have changed my tune when I further realize just how nice it is to be in the South!

For those of you who have been here awhile, do you sometimes wish there were more snowy days? Or is the great winter weather the reason you love this place? Let me know!

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