The Observation Deck

With its combination of deep snowfall and multiple subzero weather fronts, I think this is the worst Lakewood winter in a very long time.

It definitely seems to be the worst one since I bought my house in 1997.

I have childhood memories of 1977 and 1978. However, I was a kid at the time (and we lived in apartment), so I didn't have to deal with driving or snow shoveling.

Any thoughts?
Where does this winter rank in your memory?

Michael Deneen wrote:With its combination of deep snowfall and multiple subzero weather fronts, I think this is the worst Lakewood winter in a very long time.

It definitely seems to be the worst one since I bought my house in 1997.

I have childhood memories of 1977 and 1978. However, I was a kid at the time (and we lived in apartment), so I didn't have to deal with driving or snow shoveling.

Any thoughts?
Where does this winter rank in your memory?

Michael,

As one of the best! I'm hoping that the cold and snowy weather pattern extends well into April .... finding it to be unbelievably invigorating! Can you imagine having to resort to this during the winter months:


How lucky we are!

Scott Meeson

While I would agree that this has been a good old winter, compared to any number of previous years, being born and raised in Western Pennsylvania hill country, as Dad and I both were, trust me when I tell you....

THIS IS NOTHING REMOTELY CLOSE TO WHAT YOU COULD BE EXPERIENCING.

It's hasn't been that bad around here really. Think about it. A bit more snow than usual, a bit colder than usual during 3 short cold snaps, but all in all? Typical winter, and a relatively light one for us former Pennsylvanians. Other parts of the country have really had it hard though.

One thing I have noticed is a great deal more sunshine than I remember with other winters. That probably goes with the Arctic thing, but I would be guessing.

Back to the banjo.

This isn't even in the top ten for bad winters

I heard that this was the coldest stretch since about 1993. But I don't think this is like the winters of the 1970s. Working out in those seemed far worse than this.

FWIW:http://www.nbcnews.com/id/54312971/ns/local_news-cleveland_oh/

Winters were in fact colder back then. And, we didn't get driven to school either. We had to walk---one mile there and two miles back.

Stan-- I had to walk to school too, along Lakeshore Blvd which was an experience when the lake was frozen, but it was a little over one mile there and a little over one mile back.

I don't get how your walk was one mile there and two miles back. Did you have to go out of your way to stop at Malley's on the way back?

Betsy Voinovich

There are many more weather-people per tv station than before.
there are many more tv stations than before.
there are many more hours of tv news on than before.
there are many more tvs per-capita than before.

Betsy-- It was part of the new Math that was introduced in the early '60s so we could compete with the Russians. Stan

Ryan is correct. And, weather is free news. It is supplied by mother nature and NOAA. Minimal reporter/reporting costs. Virtually free time fill for the stations. Hence, it is ridiculously over-reported and the public over-reacts.

This winter hasn't been that bad ... and this statement is coming from someone who had his pipes freeze throughout his house during the polar vortex.

It only appears bad in our Lakewood bubble because of the repetitive media coverage, as well as the Mayor's poor management of the city snow plows and "Salt Gate."

Matt I've lived in the Midwest all my life. The worst I can remember is the late 70's. The thing about this year, it seems like it has snowed almost every day. Like today for example, another 2-3 inches. Makes clearing a really challenge. But the thing is, you've been pretty critical. Can you prove that the City did NOT contract for the salt that that it says it did. If the City did contract for the salt but it was not delivered, then you need to shut up. If it did not contract for the salt, then I'll shut up. But so far all I know is what what those who are close to the situation are telling me, that the salt is not forthcoming. Which is what I heard in a TV report that said salt is not getting here from the West, and we're out of salt around here. And that other cities are in the same bind.

But for what it's worth it's my opinion that when you live up here in the north and it snows a whole lot, well, it should have been expected. Learn to drive slowly and live close to where you work. Don't whine about the roads. You asked for it.

Tim,

You can plow without salt ... especially when it's too cold to use salt.

"Salt Gate" was a convenient excuse.

Again, it was too cold to salt anyway according to the Mayor's own tweets ... assuming his Twitter account wasn't hacked.

Just plow!

But, I do agree that winter weather comes with living in the 'Wood.

I'm not complaining about the weather.

I want more snow!

I'm complaining about the Mayor's handling of the same. And I'm not alone.

That poor handling is causing folks to think this is actually among the worst winters in history - hence the title of this thread.

But, you and I both agree that this winter does not rank among the worst.

What we don't agree with is the belief that City Hall can do better.

I believe City Hall can do better.

And, Tim, some folks actually are doing better ...

Jeff Dreger wrote:Relevant:

http://www.wkyc.com/videos/weather/2014/02/06/5268675/

wife works in Beachwood - continues to be very impressed; clear and just wet when others are not

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=11475&p=89167#p89167

Matt

Actually I saw the Beachwood thing when it first appeared. It was obvious they had lots of salt. The roads would not have been "just wet" unless they had salt. I also saw another broadcast about how so many cities in the Midwest and Northeast have had problems obtaining more salt. While in the Northwest they are swimming in it. Happens sometimes....

As far as I'm concerned, Lakewood's roads have been good enough despite a tough winter. Matt you're right, it's not like 1978 or 1979. But I hand-shovel my driveway and sidewalk and judging by the amount of snow that surrounds them, it's probably the worst since my lovely wife and I bought our house here in 1995. You can go on about plowing but I live here too (for now) and my little car and I have not been unable to get where we needed to go.

Besides, I lived in Chicago during "Snowpocalypse" when Michael Bilandic was mayor. I've seen really bad municipal response to inordinate snowfall. Google it. It cost Bilandic his job....