Snow has not been common this winter where I live in the Southern Tier of New York State. I would estimate we've gotten less than half the snow we normally get. I'm noting here that our record snowfall for a winter season was 135.2 inches (343 cm) in the winter of 2016-2017.
But I finally have some snow pictures for you. And some thoughts.
A tree shadow in snow.
Evergreen bushes.
And now, the thoughts.
According to our local National Weather Service office, Lakes Erie and Ontario have less than 2% ice cover. This is important, because we are prone to what are called lake effect snows, fed by moisture from those lakes. At this time of year, the lakes should still be frozen over and in those circumstances, we don't get those lake effect snows.
This winter, I don't think those lakes ever froze over. I think the highest in mid-January they were about 13% frozen over. They should have been 60-70% frozen over, if not more.
No ice cover now means we may be getting set up for a major dump of snow in March, and possibly even April.
So?
April snows, when they happen, are heavy. Trees break and fall on cars and on houses. Bad for the trees. Bad for houses and cars and those who get in the way of the falling trees. It's dangerous.
Also, there is a total eclipse of the sun on April 8, and the area of totality will cross New York State (it won't be total where I live, alas). Thousands of tourists are expected in cities such as Buffalo and Rochester, both of which are in the zone of totality. And both cities are near these lakes and both cities are known for their snowfall.
Buffalo's record snowfall in a winter, for example, is 199.4 inches (506 cm)
This may get interesting for those who love trees.
Joining Parul at Happiness and Food for her #ThursdayTreeLove.
Snow is something I know nothing about, like an exotic language. Who knew that less snow falling early could cause problems later?
ReplyDelete...for the most part our snow is now a memory, enjoy yours!
ReplyDeleteI doubt that my neighborhood just north of Detroit has had even a foot of snow this year. It's been a strange winter.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a weird winter, hasn’t it? Long Island will get a partial eclipse, and I’m looking forward to it,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting the effect of the lakes not freezing as usual. It will be interesting to follow along and see what shakes out!
ReplyDeleteOh my, you're setting up a disaster story, I can see it.
ReplyDeleteThe snow and tree shadows do well together
ReplyDeleteSnow makes nearly everything prettier!
ReplyDelete