Winter in the Midwest

[Strike For The South]

What in Gods name is snow?

[seireikhaan]

That would in fact be the white flakes that fall from the sky sometimes when it gets cold. Coincidentally, Texas seems to experience this phenomon once every few winters, and hilarity ensues.

[Strike For The South]

That would in fact be the white flakes that fall from the sky sometimes when it gets cold. Coincidentally, Texas seems to experience this phenomon once every few winters, and hilarity ensues.

I feel sorry for you you're from Iowa

[seireikhaan]

I feel sorry for you you're from Iowa

Hey, what's that mean? We got lots of stuff here in Iowa. Like corn...and...umm...and soy beans...and...stuff...yeah.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Oh, and we're one of the top states in alternative energy/fuel sources and education. But not like America really cares about those things.

[Strike For The South]

Hey, what's that mean? We got lots of stuff here in Iowa. Like corn...and...umm...and soy beans...and...stuff...yeah.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Oh, and we're one of the top states in alternative energy/fuel sources and education. But not like America really cares about those things.

[Louis VI the Fat]

I think Strike really has snow idea what a proper winter looks like.

But fear not! We all know nothing is beyond Texans:

Utilizing new (and fairly new/old) technology to lower surrounding air temperatures, create a new snowflex snow, among many other things...they're creating a year-round snow park resort in Texas. Complete with their own 35 acre, 250ft tall manmade mountain.

[Uesugi Kenshin]

I think Strike really has snow idea what a proper winter looks like.

But fear not! We all know nothing is beyond Texans:

Whatever guys, Vermont still offers far better winters. That may come to an end with global warming though...And your resort probably causes global warming!

[Papewaio]

What in Gods name is snow?

I think it is a drug like ice which makes the users feel cold and their vision becomes blurred with everything seems white. The northerners problem is across the board. Apparently it is so bad that entire schools will not have students turn up and corporations will have employees phone in saying that they have snowed in. At least they can admit they have a drug problem.

[Ice]

Apparently it is so bad that entire schools will not have students turn up and corporations will have employees phone in saying that they have snowed in. At least they can admit they have a drug problem.

I go to university in the middle of a mountain range. Last winter we got so much snow, the entire university shut down for the day. That almost NEVER happens. First time in 10 years I believe.

[Sigurd]

I go to university in the middle of a mountain range. Last winter we got so much snow, the entire university shut down for the day. That almost NEVER happens. First time in 10 years I believe.

What!!!! You shut down for snow?

[Csargo]

I think it is a drug like ice which makes the users feel cold and their vision becomes blurred with everything seems white. The northerners problem is across the board. Apparently it is so bad that entire schools will not have students turn up and corporations will have employees phone in saying that they have snowed in. At least they can admit they have a drug problem.

This sounds like the right definition

[Pharnakes]

I think it is a drug like ice which makes the users feel cold and their vision becomes blurred with everything seems white. The northerners problem is across the board. Apparently it is so bad that entire schools will not have students turn up and corporations will have employees phone in saying that they have snowed in. At least they can admit they have a drug problem.

I go to university in the middle of a mountain range. Last winter we got so much snow, the entire university shut down for the day. That almost NEVER happens. First time in 10 years I believe.

Your name is Ice. You confess to using snow. I suspect an international drug syndicate!

[Beirut]

What in Gods name is snow?

That which imparts only upon those who experience it the highest capacity for love and all of its consequences, actions, and benefits.

Brrrrrrr...

[Ironside]

What in Gods name is snow?

This...



is...



snow...

[SwordsMaster]

Heh, great pictures. Thanks for the advice guys. Any more?

[spmetla]

While I've never lived in the midwest my dad grew up in Wisconsin and has told me stories about those winters there. I'd say that in bad weather be prepared for delays, if renting a car be sure to have snow chains for the tires as well as a good emergency kit, and to pack plenty of cold weather gear.

He grew up in Oshkosh area but this was the 1940s/50s so undoubtedly the weather patters have probably changed.

Oh, and if you enjoy cross country skiing he says that this used to be his favorite winter sport besides ice skating/ice boating.

And be sure to sample local cheeses, meats, and beer. According to my dad it's the only state in the US that he places their goods as close to equal to their German equivalents. The fish is also supposed to be good seeing how a lot of it is cod off Newfoundland, but like I said this is all second hand advice and a few decades old.

[Ice]

Screw winter.

Seriously. I walk outside this morning and it is snowing. I walk out of work, it is slushly (nasty brown snow), snowing, and COLD.

I miss summer.

[Martok]

Heh, great pictures. Thanks for the advice guys. Any more?

Bearing in mind that winters in Wisconsin usually aren't *quite* as bad as they are here in neighboring Minnesota, my advice should still be pertinent:

Be prepared for unpredictable temperature fluctuations, and for weather forecasts that bear little resemblance to what the weather actually *is* that day. (My uncle always likes to say that "if you don't like the weather around here, just wait 10 minutes".) Jesting aside, it is entirely possible to have days that are above freezing point in the daytime, only to see temperatures plunge towards 0 at night. Which brings up another point....

Remember that the U.S. is one of the relatively few nations that still primarily measures temperature in Fahrenheit instead of Centigrade. So when you see a weather report stating that it's going to be around 0 degrees, keep in mind that that translates to around -20 C. (For a simple translation between the two grades, go here.)

While it goes without saying that it's definitely chillier up here this time of year, there's "cold" and then there's "COLD"! Anything below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (or around -5 degrees Centigrade) is generally considered uncomfortable even by the standards of most Midwesterners, and you'll want to make sure you're completely bundled up if you're outside for any length of time in temperatures that low.

Finally, I'll second Crazed Rabbit in cautioning you about getting around in winter weather. Even if there's not a lot of snow on the ground, it can still be dangerous to those who aren't used to driving on it. Proceed with extreme caution!

[Ice]

*Ice wakes up*

*Ice half asleep checks the weather*

*Ice gets pissed*

19°F
Feels Like
13°F
Updated Dec 6 10:00 a.m. ET

*Ice hates winter*

[Lemur]

I love winter, and I'll third the suggestion that driving is a different experience when there's ice and/or snow on the ground. My advice if you're going to be driving: find a big, empty parking lot covered in snow. Drive your vehicle around in it. Practice turning and braking in particular. After twenty minutes of this, you should get a feel for it.

[Louis VI the Fat]

To echo Strike's famous words:

What in God's name is a 'Big Empty Parking Lot' ??

[Sigurd]

I love winter, and I'll third the suggestion that driving is a different experience when there's ice and/or snow on the ground. My advice if you're going to be driving: find a big, empty parking lot covered in snow. Drive your vehicle around in it. Practice turning and braking in particular. After twenty minutes of this, you should get a feel for it.

I am a little worried now... Do you mean to say that driving on a skidpan is not part of the drivers licence course?

We had to do two courses. First in a school car and later with your own car.