Hi Everyone,
So many people have reached out to me today during the nor’easter blizzard 2022 to kindly inquire:
1. Are you okay?
2. Do you have power?
3. And, do you have enough to eat?
1. Yes
2. Thank God, yes!
3. Ummm… yes.
You know. I daresay that most Americans have enough food in their homes at any given time to sustain them for at least a month if necessary.
And yet, the first thing to go from the supermarket shelves is the bread and milk when there’s an impending storm. Right?
It reminds me of when Covid first hit in March 2020, and there wasn’t a roll of toilet paper to be found anywhere.
However, those of us who’ve lived in the northeastern United States are used to storms that are colloquially called Nor’easters. Or, as I heard Stephen Colbert say once:
“
a storm so powerful that it knocks out all of the available Ts and Hs.”
haha
The name comes from a powerful low-pressure cyclone blowing from the northeast.
And what is it that we have northeast of us? Yes, a bigass frigid body of water. So, if it’s above freezing temps, we get a lot of wind and soaking rain. But, if it’s cold enough, we sometimes get a heap load of snow.
However, in recent years, most of the storms have stayed far enough off the coast so that the snow is minimal.
Well, not today. We got a good hammering with near white-out conditions for most of the day. As of 9:30 PM, the east coast of Massachusetts has had from 20″ to over 30″ of fine powdery snow. Boston Logan Airport has reported 23.5″.
The above photo was taken this afternoon around 1:00 PM out my living room window.
So, how do Bostonians handle the nor’easter blizzard 2022? Well, I’ll get to that in a sec.
But, first, I need to share some updates on the Boston Public Garden Ducklings. I pass them by at least once or twice a week and have become quite fond of them and enchanted by their ever-changing wardrobe.
You may recall seeing the darling bronze ducklings in my Christmas post.
Well, a few weeks ago, I snapped them, making quite the statement.
This was about three weeks ago on a freeeeezing day before my tech gloves arrived. But I wanted to take it for my sister Holly, a vegan.
Recently, the ducklings have been wearing Boston Bruins uniforms. For those that don’t know, that’s our local professional ice hockey team.
However, yesterday, on my way to my Friday morning coffee group, I couldn’t help but notice the adorable new outfits the ducklings were sporting.
The mama duck is quite the character and apparent role model for her offspring.
From this view, you can see the northern border of the public garden, which is Beacon Street and the beginning of Beacon Hill. The mid-rise red brick building is where Charles Street begins.
Charles street also runs between the public garden and the Boston Common, as you can see below.
But, I just can’t enough of these little guys. Are they the cutest, or what?
Frankly, though, I was somewhat concerned for their welfare because of the impending nor’easter blizzard 2022.
First of all, I was afraid their fine coats would get wrecked. In addition, although absolutely darling, they aren’t really terribly warm coats.
Okay, okay, please calm down. I do know that ducks don’t need coats to stay warm. But still.
So, today, on my way to Beacon Hill, I was walking through the garden with my new friend Jayne when we both broke out in raucous laughter. Yes, we were walking in the snow, but the blizzard conditions had subsided by 4:40, just before sunset. Well, the sun that was hidden by the thick cloud cover.
Here’s why we were laughing.
Some of the ducklings were totally buried! And yes, they are currently butt buck naked! (yes, variation on naked. Kind Cynthia informed me of my malapropism regarding “butt” instead of “buck.” Live and learn!)
However, this one appears to be gasping for air! That’s why we were laughing so hard.
Of course, their fine coats were removed before the big nor’easter blizzard 2022. That most likely happened in the late afternoon on the 28th.
So, where were Jayne and I going during one of the worst storms to hit Boston in years?
Well, we were going to Beacon Hill to meet our good friends for drinks and dinner!
Yes, indeed, and we weren’t the only ones who were enjoying the evening despite the disagreeable weather. Fortunately, there were very few cars on the road. There are thousands within an easy walk of Beacon Hill and Back Bay.
Here we are at a new restaurant on Mount Vernon Street called 1928 Beacon Hill. We all enjoyed the sophisticated, eclectic decor, as well as our drinks and dinner.
The image is courtesy of Wendy Oleksiak’s Instagram, which is super beautiful. Wendy is a native Bostonian and a crackerjack realtor throughout the entire greater Boston area. She’s in the middle with the black and white scarf.
Are we not worried about catching Covid?
Yes, we are. However, all of us have been triple vaxxed and mask-up in public. I feel it’s a balancing act between being mindful and still having a life.
BTW, my darling son, the one in the middle of the Caribbean, on a 40-foot sailboat, got Covid a few days ago. However, thankfully, it’s been relatively mild. (Yes, he’s triple vaxxed.) He’s having a wonderful time and says he’s in paradise.
Well, I feel that way, too, even though it’s a lot colder right now than I prefer.
Although, my new winter coat is a Godsend! Everything about it is perfect, including the hood.
I just read the other reviews and the snaps do NOT let the cold air in! No part of the coat is tight on me. I got a size six which is my normal size in a coat. Everything else, I usually wear a 4. There is plenty of room in the shoulders. And, my new phone which is the big I-phone 13 did fit in the pocket.
The hood is AMAZING! I can’t stand it when they don’t stay on. This one, even in the wind, stays put. Plus, it kept my head nice and toasty.
After dinner, I walked back to Back Bay with Jayne and Cheryl, who organized this meetup.
Jayne took this photo of Cheryl and me walking down the middle of deserted Charles Street. It’s an incredible feeling being in a normally bustling big city on a Saturday night with hardly another soul in sight.
I’m no longer the “new girl” as Cheryl and Jayne moved here very recently, but both had lived here before, I believe. I live between the two, so Cheryl kindly invited us into her charming rental apartment for a drink and some yummy chocolate, raspberry banana bread– and a roaring fire in her lovely fireplace.
Of course, I had to leave before I was ready because I needed to finish this post.
Alas, my new tech gloves are “in the shop.” Why? They were shipped with the security thingy still on.
However, my Adirondack mittens are so incredibly warm that taking my hands out for a couple of minutes wasn’t so bad. So, I took some photos of the snow for y’all to see.
The Commonwealth Ave Mall and row houses in the snow shortly after it stopped.
Above and below is the Comm Ave Mall. The gorgeous lights will be up for another ten weeks.
Above and below the Comm Ave Mall @ Berkley Street around 8:45 PM January 29, 2022.
Someone asked if the sidewalks were plowed. Most had been plowed at some point, but not all of them. And no sidewalks were totally clear of the snow.
Outside my front door. Remember the scene the night I moved?
The move on December 21, 2020, was five days after the last big snowstorm of December 16, 2020.
Then, 13+ months later, I heard a familiar sound barreling down the street.
Yes, the “evil snowplow man!” lol.
Well, it’s a necessary evil to put down salt and dirt that subsequently creates “snirt.” However, the snirt helps prevent the deadly black ice, thus helping to keep people safe.
For more on “snirt,” if you’re not familiar, this is one of my favorite posts ever.
So, yes, I am fine, and I hope all of you are as well!
I have to say this is when I’m super glad that I don’t have to deal with a car outside.
In closing, thank you again for your well-wishes; Hopefully, you are fairing well with the intense nor’easter blizzard of 2022, as well.
xo,
PS: Please check out the newly updated HOT SALES!
One AHHHMAZING sale is ending today, January 30. There are some fantastic deals on great items, not the end-of-season duds. Also, there are a lot of new items in the clothing widget. You can access that directly here.
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FAQs
What is the difference between blizzard and noreaster? ›
A Nor'easter becomes a blizzard when it meets the National Weather Service definition of one. Therefore, not every Nor'easter is a blizzard and not every blizzard is a Nor'easter. A Nor'easter is a specific type of storm.
How is winter in Boston 2022? ›The 2022-2023 meteorological winter ended up being the fifth warmest ever in terms of average temperature for the city of Boston. All southern New England climate sites had one of their top five warmest winters on record, with Worcester experiencing its warmest winter ever recorded.
What is a nor Easter blizzard? ›Winter Resources
A Nor'easter is a storm along the East Coast of North America, so called because the winds over the coastal area are typically from the northeast. These storms may occur at any time of year but are most frequent and most violent between September and April.
The difference between lake-effect snow and a blizzard
A blizzard is a severe weather condition characterized by low temperatures, strong winds and heavy snow. In contrast, lake-effect snow is created when cold air passes over a warmer body of water, picking up moisture and creating conditions conducive to snowfall.
Main Types of Blizzards and How They Form
The three types of blizzards are ground blizzards, nor'easter, and the lake effect. A Nor'easter is a blizzard that spins counterclockwise, and this is due to the Coriolis effect.
The 1972 Iran blizzard, which caused 4,000 reported deaths, was the deadliest blizzard in recorded history. Dropping as much as 26 feet (7.9 m) of snow, it completely covered 200 villages. After a snowfall lasting nearly a week, an area the size of Wisconsin was entirely buried in snow.
Will 2022 be a snowy winter in Boston? ›November 2022 to October 2023. Winter temperatures will be below normal, while precipitation and snowfall will be above normal. The coldest periods will be in early December, early and late January, and most of February.
What are the winter predictions for 2022 to 2023 in Massachusetts? ›In predicting snowfall for different areas of the country, NOAA says Massachusetts has equal chances of seeing precipitation levels below or above normal. In its 2022-2023 winter forecast, AccuWeather predicts Boston will see around the same amount of snowfall as last year.
What kind of winter is predicted for Massachusetts 2022? ›Massachusetts is poised for a colder, snowier winter than normal, the almanac predicts. In the almanac's Atlantic Corridor region, which runs from Boston and Worcester down the coast to Washington, D.C., the forecasters predict a cold and powdery winter.
Why is a nor Easter so unusual? ›A nor'easter is a strong extratropical cyclone, often experiencing explosive cyclogenesis. While this formation occurs in many places around the world, nor'easters are unique for their combination of northeast winds and moisture content of the swirling clouds.
What are the 5 categories of a blizzard? ›
NESIS has five categories: Extreme, Crippling, Major, Significant, and Notable.
What are the different types of nor Easters? ›There are two main types of nor'easters: "Miller Type-A" and "Miller Type-B."
Which is stronger blizzard or snowstorm? ›The NWS defines a blizzard as snowfall while there are also higher than 35 mph winds. Alongside this it has to last three hours or more. What makes the blizzard unique is the wind as a blizzard without high wind is not a blizzard at all.
Is a blizzard a cold or warm front? ›The typical ground blizzard occurs when an Arctic cold front moves through the region, causing temperatures to drop and winds to increase quite rapidly, often reaching gusts of 50 to 60 mph.
How do you prepare for a nor Easter storm? ›- Secure or bring in outdoor objects (patio furniture, children's toys, trash cans, etc.) ...
- Clear clogged rain gutters to allow water to flow away from your home.
- If damaging winds are expected, cover all of your windows. ...
- Go Tapeless! ...
- Turn off propane tanks if you are not using them.
Greatest Snow Depth on Record: 451 Inches
Tamarack, California, also holds the U.S. record for the greatest snow depth ever measured. A maximum snow depth of 451 inches, or 37.5 feet, was recorded there on March 11, 1911, according to Burt.
A snowstorm where there is no accumulation beyond a light dusting of snow is called a snow flurry. A brief snowstorm with snow falling at varying intensity and some accumulation is called a snow shower.
What state has never had a blizzard? ›Snow falls in 49 of the 50 states in most winters; Florida being the lone exception.
What was the strongest blizzard in the US? ›Few storms are as iconic as the “Blizzard of '88”. It was the deadliest, snowiest, and most unusual winter storm in American annals. No storm of similar magnitude has occurred anywhere in the contiguous United States since.
What is the most unhealthy blizzard? ›Dairy Queen Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzard
And the winner is... Dairy Queen's Georgia Mud Fudge Blizzard. A large (21-ounce) serving delivers a whopping 1,450 calories, 83 grams of fat, 28 grams of saturated fat, and 1,000 milligrams of sodium.
Is 2023 the warmest winter? ›
December 2022–February 2023 was also the Northern Hemisphere's fifth-warmest meteorological winter and the Southern Hemisphere's 10th-warmest meteorological summer on record, tied with 2003 and 2006.
What kind of winter will Boston have? ›The bulk of the region is expected to have a winter of normal snow. Over the past 30 years, Boston has averaged about four feet of snow each winter. The Old Farmer's Almanac called for a "shivery and snowy" 2022-23 winter on the East Coast.
What was the least snowy winter in Massachusetts? ›The least snowy winter on record was 1979-1980 where only 16.1 inches of snow was measured from October to May.
What type of winter we are expecting in 2023? ›The 2022-2023 General Winter Forecast. For Winter 2023, most of the U.S. will be colder than normal this winter, although Summer 2023 will be mostly warmer than usual.
What does the Farmer's Almanac say about winter in New England 2022-2023? ›The Farmers' Almanac 2022-2023 Extended Weather Forecast:
It's time to stock up! According to our extended forecasts, this winter season will have plenty of snow, rain, and mush—as well as some record-breaking cold temperatures! We are warning readers to get ready to “Shake, shiver, and shovel! “
The winter temperature outlook for 2022-2023 favored warmer-than-average seasonal temperatures across the eastern and southern contiguous United States and cooler-than-average temperatures across the northern tier from the upper peninsula of Michigan to the West Coast.
Are Massachusetts winters getting warmer? ›New England's winters are warming faster than any other season — and it's happening more quickly here than in most of the country, said Elizabeth Burakowski, a climate change researcher at the University of New Hampshire.
Is New England getting less snow? ›The region is seeing more sporadic precipitation. As a result, overall snowfall is becoming less consistent throughout the winter, but now, the region is seeing more isolated storm events that bring a large amount of snow all at once, experts say.
What days did it snow in Boston 2022? ›| Date | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| March 9th, 2022 | Snow |
| February 27th, 2022 | Snow |
| February 25th, 2022 | Snow / Sleet |
| February 19th, 2022 | Snow |
A bomb cyclone, also known as bombogenesis, is a fast-developing storm that occurs when atmospheric pressure drops at least 24 millibars over a 24-hour period, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration note online.
Is a nor easter a winter hurricane? ›
While both nor'easters and hurricanes share similar meteorological features, they present essential core differences. Nor'easters are cold-core lows that usually occur between October and April. Hurricanes are warm-core lows that happen between June and November.
What are some fun facts about a nor Easter? ›Unlike hurricanes, which develop in the tropics, nor'easters form in mid-latitudes. Nor'easters form from contrasting air masses and are cold at their core. Hurricanes are warm at their core and are fueled by warm ocean waters, usually at least 80 degrees. A nor'easter usually lasts a day or two.
What are the warning signs of a blizzard? ›Blizzard WARNING: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater, plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer.
How do you stay safe in a blizzard? ›Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
How long does a blizzard typically last? ›Winter storms range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a massive blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days.
What is a nor easter compared to a hurricane? ›For example, hurricanes originate over the warm waters of the tropics-the region near the equator. Nor'easters originate further north, near the eastern coast of the United States. Also, nor'easters thrive and pick up strength from cold air in the atmosphere, while hurricanes thrive on warm air.
What is the difference between a hurricane and a noreaster? ›Hurricanes form over the warm waters of the tropical Atlantic Ocean, meaning they are what meteorologists call a warm-core system. These types of storms strengthen in warm air. Nor'easters, however, develop through a contrast of cold air from the north interacting with warmer ocean water.
What states did the Nor Easter hit? ›Nor'easter dumps snow on New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire Large outages are reported in New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Massachusetts.
When was the worst blizzard in history? ›- The Great Blizzard of '88. ...
- The Knickerbocker Storm – 1922. ...
- The Great Appalachian Storm – 1950. ...
- The Blizzard of '78. ...
- The Storm of the Century – 1993. ...
- The Great Blizzard of 2003. ...
- Snowmageddon – 2010. ...
- Snowzilla – 2016.
"In a snowstorm, it's just simply too cold," FOX Weather meteorologist Greg Diamond said. "You could have a perfect wind profile for tornadoes, but without that main component of warm, humid air, tornadoes will not form."
Are blizzards worse than tornadoes? ›
Tornadoes are tiny compared to blizzards, but their fierce winds can destroy everything in their paths, while the winds, snows and low temperatures of blizzards cause only minor damage but affect huge areas.
What not to do during a blizzard? ›- DON'T drive until it's safe to do so. ...
- DON'T walk without knowing your surroundings. ...
- DON'T sled if you don't know the hill. ...
- DON'T shovel snow with your back. ...
- DON'T heat your home with stoves or charcoal grills. ...
- DON'T drink alcohol to stay warm.
Do not attempt to walk out of a blizzard. Disorientation comes quickly in blowing and drifting snow. You are more likely to be found when sheltered in your car. (3) Keep fresh air in your car.
How do you stay warm in a blizzard? ›- Close blinds/curtains to try to keep in some heat.
- Close off rooms to avoid wasting or losing heat.
- Stuff towels or rags into the cracks under doors.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
- Eat and drink.
Officially, the National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm which contains large amounts of snow OR blowing snow, with winds in excess of 35 mph and visibilities of less than 1/4 mile for an extended period of time (at least 3 hours).
What is the difference between a blizzard and a nor Easter? ›A blizzard is any snow storm that lasts at least six hours, has sustained winds of over 25mph, and reduces visibility to less than 1200 yards. A nor-easter can cause a bilzzard, but nor-easters tend to be shorter lived than blizzards.
What is a severe winter storm called? ›Blizzards are dangerous winter storms that are a combination of blowing snow and wind resulting in very low visibilities. While heavy snowfalls and severe cold often accompany blizzards, they are not required. Sometimes strong winds pick up snow that has already fallen, creating a ground blizzard.
What is the difference between a noreaster and tropical storm? ›Nor'easters differ from tropical cyclones in that nor'easters are cold-core low-pressure systems, meaning that they thrive on drastic changes in temperature of Canadian air and warm Atlantic waters. Tropical cyclones are warm-core low-pressure systems, which means they thrive on purely warm temperatures.
What is the difference between a nor easter and a hurricane? ›While both nor'easters and hurricanes share similar meteorological features, they present essential core differences. Nor'easters are cold-core lows that usually occur between October and April. Hurricanes are warm-core lows that happen between June and November.
What makes a blizzard different? ›The National Weather Service defines a blizzard as a storm with large amounts of snow or blowing snow, winds greater than 35 mph (56 kph), and visibility of less than ¼ mile (0.4 km) for at least three hours. Some blizzards, called ground blizzards, have no falling snow.
What was the biggest noreaster ever? ›
The Ash Wednesday Storm of 1962 is the strong nor'easter on record. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, this nor-easter was “the largest East Coast winter storm in terms of land loss and number of homes damaged or destroyed.” The Atlantic can turn violent in a nor'easter.
What are the requirements for a noreaster? ›A storm is considered a nor'easter if its winds blow from the northeast off the Atlantic Ocean. If the winds are out of the east or southeast during the storm, then it's not technically a nor'easter, but the impacts will likely be very similar, so the storm should still be taken seriously.
What are the 3 types of tropical storms? ›- Tropical Depression: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph (33 knots) or less.
- Tropical Storm: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph (34 to 63 knots).
- Hurricane: A tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher.
Nineteen of the storms made landfall at least once while at Category 5 intensity; 2007 and 2017 are the only years in which two storms made landfall at this intensity.
What is a hurricane with snow called? ›A bomb cyclone, which occurs through the process known as bombogenesis, is basically a winter hurricane.
What is a landlocked hurricane called? ›derecho, also called land hurricane, windstorm traveling in a straight line characterized by gusts in excess of 93 km (58 miles) per hour and the production of a swath of wind-generated damage along a front spanning more than 400 km (250 miles) in length.
Can noreasters cause storm surge? ›Nor'easters Cause Billions of Dollars of Damage
Massive amounts of precipitation and storm surge combined with severe winds strike coastal areas throughout the storm.
“Nor'easters usually develop in the latitudes between Georgia and New Jersey, within 100 miles east or west of the East Coast,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says. They typically form between September and April and are strongest during the winter months.
Is there a storm stronger than a hurricane? ›Typhoons are generally stronger than hurricanes. This is because of warmer water in the western Pacific which creates better conditions for development of a storm. This unlimited amount of warm water also makes for increased frequency of typhoons.
Which is worse a snowstorm or a blizzard? ›A winter storm is life-threatening. Blizzards are dangerous winter storms that are a combination of blowing snow and wind resulting in very low visibilities. While heavy snowfalls and severe cold often accompany blizzards, they are not required.
How long do blizzards usually last? ›
Winter storms range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a massive blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days.
Can you have a blizzard without snow? ›The most well-known blizzards are winter storms that produce several inches occurring with strong winds that cause blowing snow and whiteout conditions, but not all blizzards happen this way. In the Midwest, ground blizzards develop with little or no concurrent (or new) snowfall.