Weather
Local NewsApproaching Winter Storm Doesn't Worry WisconsinBy George MalletMEQUON - As a winter storm approached Southeast Wisconsin Monday evening, grocery shoppers here were nonplused by the forecast.
Frankly, many people here have been surprised and heartened by the fact that we weren’t buried by snow at the end of November.
After all, that is the usual routine in this corner of the world. We wondered if people were making any changes to their holiday plans based on the forecast. The answer to that question: a resounding “no.” “I’m not changing anything based on any weather forecast,” said Lois Harrison as she loaded her groceries into the back of her SUV. “Just getting what I need when I need it.” But as we enjoy a relatively late start to the snow season, residents in the Mid-Atlantic are up to their fannies in frozen precipitation. What’s more, they aren’t ready for it. Motorists are stranded. Streets aren’t plowed. People are freaking out. Forgive us if we chuckle a little bit at the way our East coast brethren are reacting to weather we get every year. “I’ve heard stories of people getting stranded,” Harrison said. So, while we have no intention of changing our plans for an approaching winter storm, we do have some advice for our less snow-savvy friends to the East. “We tough it out every year,” shopper Mary Stenzel allowed. “Dress warm. Be careful. Don’t lift too much wet snow.” We have lots of practical tips along those lines. “When you shovel, make sure you lift with your knees not with your back,” suggested Kelsey McCormack. “And, be happy,” Stenzel interjected. “Bear with it.” Mike Farrell’s advice didn’t sound like the words of a Wisconsin-tough snow veteran. But it made a lot of sense. “Stay in,” he said firmly. “Don’t go out. That’s it. Why get yourself in trouble?”
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