Pay attention to forecasts
Weather forecasters are sometimes accused of being “weather terrorists,” using their persuasive powers to strike fear into the hearts of citizens who want nothing more than to go about their normal day.
It seems that in our new, 24-hour news cycle, a forecast of inclement weather can take on a life of its own. Weather forecasters will give a worst-case scenario and advise people to prepare.
But as much as we like to make fun of the forecasts, we can be thankful that, in this day and age, we have meteorologists who have satellite imagery, radar, computer models and all sorts of tools to help forecast the weather.
It wasn’t that long ago when we didn’t have these scientists and these tools to help us. The Armistice Day Blizzard in 1940 struck without warning, resulting in the deaths of 49 people.
Through the early warning of meteorologists, thousands of school children were not in school, or were on their way home from school, when this week’s snow hit. In addition cities were prepared and city crews were ready to start snow removal practically from the start of the storm. That head start in cleanup saves time and money, and makes getting around town easier for people.
So next time you get a weather alert on your radio or Smartphone, heed the warning.