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Weather: Storm advisory in effect, wind and icy conditions hit region

By Howard B. Owens

In Batavia today, it looks like we're getting hit with our first real winter storm -- as minor as it is, it's still a bit more of a storm than the previous snow showers.

The National Weather Service even issued a weather advisory in effect until 6 p.m., though it looks like the current snow front will pass out of the area around noon.

One to three inches of snow is predicted.

There are hazards from blowing snow -- winds up to 35 mph -- and freezing roadways.

While temperatures are in the low 20s, the wind chill could drop the "feels like" temp to single digits.

I can't say I've had my ear glued to the scanner 100 percent of the time this morning, but so far, not much in the way of traffic accidents (knock on wood), which is a bit out of the ordinary for a first snowstorm in WNY.

Snow is predicted for at least part of each of the next five days.

Kyle Couchman

You jinxed it Howard, I just heard (at 10:30ish) a whole slew of sirens and at least one buzzing horn of a fire truck racing down Ellicott towards O-At-Ka from downtown, while I was posting. I'm sure your on it though. :)

Dec 28, 2011, 10:53am Permalink
Elizabeth Downie

I don't care for snow one bit, but I must embrace it as it occurs for about 5 months out of the year around here. This year, I received snowshoes for Christmas - again, trying to embrace the snow and cold - and I'd really like to use them... especially to go geocaching with! So, I guess I don't mind that it is snowing...

I mostly hate driving in it... well, ok... and I very much dislike the frigid temperatures as well! I would prefer 50-70°F year round, myself... but a good snow suit can help with that! Let's get winter over with! Bring it on!

:)

Dec 28, 2011, 10:59am Permalink
Doug Yeomans

Fall, winter and spring are my favorite seasons. I'm not fond of hot summers at all. On my way to work this morning between 4am and 4:45am, the snow was steady and the winds were pushing me to the shoulder on the north/south roads. Using high-beams wasn't possible because of the steady snow. The forecast for Sunday is a high of 47 so this won't last long. I've been going through one cart of wood every other day this year. The usual consumption is one to two carts per day when the temperatures are in the single digits and lower teens. I'm loving the extended wood supply and not having to use the snow blower yet this season.

Dec 28, 2011, 11:30am Permalink
Billie Owens

I, too, am not fond of hot summer weather nor the humidity that comes with it here. I've had my share of blistering heat in places like El Cajon, Bakersfield and while camping in Arizona along the Colorado River. I was afraid of winter weather when I moved east because I had only visited the snow previously -- to make snowmen, drink hot cocoa and see all the lovely snow-covered trees. But I've come to really like cold weather. And fall has always been my favorite season. Since wintery weather has started so late, I don't think this will be a five-month winter, which is fine because sometimes this season lasts too long in my opinion.

If anyone wants to make good use of their snowshoes, Genesee County Park is hosting snowshoe workshops with guided tours through the park. Cost is $8 and refreshments will be served afterward. They are 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 7 and 28. Pre-registration is required. Call 344-1122.

Dec 28, 2011, 12:21pm Permalink
Elizabeth Downie

That is where we experienced snowshoeing for the first time... last year on a guided tour through Genesee County Park! We, my husband and I, were hooked immediately! They usually do a moonlit snowshoe walk, but I don't see anything posted for it. Maybe it is early yet, but I thought it was in January last year. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it last year, so we were hoping to catch it this year.

I am the co-Advisor of the Outdoor Adventure Club at GCC and we are trying to plan a trip for one of the guided tours with our club. We think it would be a great experience for our club members, especially for those who are not local and/or are international students! Snowshoeing is a LOT of fun!

Now, we just need snow...

:(

Dec 28, 2011, 1:58pm Permalink
kevin kretschmer

Elizabeth - Give Pack, Paddle, Ski a call. I know they've got a moonlight trip in February at Ontario County Park. Also, Rick and his crew can probably put together something for your club out this way if you'd prefer. Something else for you to consider - they do a really neat workshop on building authentic igloos.

Dec 28, 2011, 2:45pm Permalink
John Woodworth JR

I am counting my blessing with the lack of snow. Driving to Niagara Falls everyday is bad enough without the white menace. However, a snowshoe hike sound very fun.

Kevin I will try to stop by and discuss the Ontario Park one with you. By then we should have some snow.

Billie thank you for the heads up on the Genesee County park one, I believe they also rent snowshoes.

Dec 29, 2011, 8:00am Permalink
Charles Augrom

I am a member of the Association for Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc (ACORNS) and we have snowshoe workshops on Jan. 7 (if we have snow) and Jan. 28. Sessions are 10AM-12PM or 1PM-3PM (choose one session) $8 person. Pre-registration required by calling 344-1122. Feb. 11 is the nite hike. 6PM-8PM. We will hike to Paviilion A for refreshments and a warm fire then return to the Nature Center. Adult Program. Pre-registration required.

Dec 29, 2011, 9:54pm Permalink
Charles Augrom

County Park snowshoe rentals during January, February, and March. $5 pair. 10AM-3PM Thursday and Friday. 12PM-3PM Saturday and Sunday. For use in the park. Weather permitting.

Dec 29, 2011, 10:01pm Permalink

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