Winter wonderland....again!

Winter wonderland....again!

As much as I have spring fever, I have to admit the snow that started to fall just before 8:30 this morning is quite beautiful.  It reminds me of how much I enjoy watching the gentle snowflakes fall, covering the ground like a blanket.  For the last week, we have had temperatures averaging in the mid 50's, which has eliminated most of any remaining snow that had  previously been deposited on the ground in Southeast Nebraska. 

As I arrived to work this morning, the streets were dry, the sky was white with low thick clouds preparing to drop its fresh snow on the earth.  By 8:24 AM, the snow had begun to fall, ever so peacefully.  Within an hour the ground was completely covered and visibility was limited.  On Fridays, I work a shorter day, so I was able to leave before the total accumulation is determined.  About an hour before I actually left, my boss went out to shovel and clear off each of our cars and offered to start them so they would be warm when were ready, something that I haven't had done for me in a long time, let alone by an employer! 

Upon my departure, I found visibility to be extremely poor, so poor that I could not see where to drive in the parking lot to exit to the street!  Then as I found the exit, I slid across the street trying to turn onto the main road.  Fortunately I was only going 15 mph and no traffic was approaching.  If I had to guess, I would say visibility was less than ¼ mile.  Traffic moved along at a snails pace creeping along at approximately 10-15 when the speed limit, I noticed several vehicles in the ditch and a small truck had gone head on into a corner light post.

As I continued, I came upon two utility vans stuck and sliding in the middle of the intersection, where there really wasn't much of an incline!  I was able to go around them, feeling terrible that I couldn't have helped.  About a mile further, I almost rear ended a midsized truck, because the brakes locked and the road was so slippery, if my Jeep had continued straight ahead there would have been a definite impact!  I was fortunate that was able to veer off to the left into the turn lane to avoid the collision.   After that I came close two other times.   

Today being Friday, February 13^th, the local schools closed due to the weather, disappointing many elementary school students expecting to share Valentines at their classroom.   At this moment, it continues to snow, although the flakes appear to be somewhat smaller.  Our winter weather warning is in effect until 9 PM tonight. 

For all who are experiencing inclement weather, please be careful.