Bitter Cold and Heavy Snow Common in "Snowbelts"

Venango Township, PA. -- This morning when I woke an hour before sunrise, walked into the kitchen and turn the lights on, I noticed the snow blew in under the front door; not a lot but enough to cover the carpet. I had been meaning to fix that problem for months.

The scene viewed from the window and dully illuminated by the outside light was swirling, wind-driven snow. Moments later, the township snow plow rumbled slowly down the road -- a sure sign road conditions were bad.

A day earlier we had freezing rain, not as bad as some east coast cities, but enough to turn the dirt, back roads into a driving nightmare. The weather forecasts for inland areas from Lake Erie this morning were calling for five inches or more, with bitterly, cold temperatures; at daybreak it was evident closer to a foot had fallen.

I've lived in this "snowbelt" rural area since 1973; 38 winters ago. Along the lakeshore area, 20 miles north, there's only a few inches this morning. But inland areas, in the higher ridges, is where the "lake effect storms" dump their moisture.

One learns a few lessons after a winter or two in a snow belt region; monitor several different weather forecasts to get the idea about what to expect. It is a good idea to have a back-up heat source and be prepared for the electric to go down. There are times when no matter how good the vehicle is winterized you can't move.

Food and water should be stockpiled, just in case, enough for people and pets. Sure, check water pipes before winter arrives, but expect the unexpected.

No sense complaining, that won't change the weather; doesn't help a bit. If someone needs help, you do everything possible; it might be you next time that needs some help.

Venango Township is sparsely populated. The 2000 census counted 2,77 people (about 637 families) living within 43.7 square miles. Wattsburg is the largest population center in the township with about 350 residents. Seldom does the inland weather ever make state or national news. They strike several times every winter, some much worse than the last two days.

The inland winter storm warning and advisories will continue for this inland region until Saturday evening; but the bitter, cold temperatures are expected to remain until late next week. Official snow totals are from the Erie International Airport along the lakeshore but unofficial snow totals in nearby townships indicate between fourteen and sixteen inches of new snow from this lake enhanced snow event.

Tonight, the westerly winds are creating white-out conditions with gusts averaging 15 to 20mph creating picturesque snow drifts and hazardous driving condition. About the only machines zipping along the roads are snowmobiles; it is a good snow for them and for those who make a little extra cash plowing and getting vehicles out of ditches.

Hopefully, Pat or Steve will be around to plow my driveway; besides, I made a big pot of chili on the wood stove today. I will fix that front door this week.