Road Trip: Niagara Falls

On a somewhat lighter note than the last few posts... ;-)

A couple of weeks ago, Danielle and I drove up to Niagara Falls for the afternoon. Niagara Falls is a relatively short drive from Erie (less than an hour and a half). It's weird to think that we live so close to something that so many people all over the world only ever dream of one day visiting. The falls are awesome all year round of course, but as many of you know, my heart is quite fond of winter. As such, we decided to go up and see the falls in all their winter glory. They did not disappoint:

At the brink of Horseshoe Falls

Horseshoe Falls

OOooh, look at us, we're at the spot where half the world has taken their picture







Looking across the river to America, land of the ice?

Looking downstream at the American Falls and the Rainbow Bridge

The American Falls

Rainbow Bridge

Looking upstream at the Canadian (Horseshoe) Falls






Along the Niagara Parkway, looking across to Goat Island







Back in the USA on Goat Island. The mist from the falls had coated EVERYTHING! It was really quite stunning...

"Blast. There's too much ice. I can't see a thing."

She just wouldn't heed the warnings. Look at the ice chunk that fell on her head! She's lucky she didn't get hurt from that thing!

They weren't kidding.

Looking downstream over the American Falls

Snow Snow Snow

I took the camera along today to take some shots around the city of the copious amounts of snow that continue to fall on us daily. The one at left is down by the bayfront. The wind was blowing hard off the bay, creating blizzard-like conditions.

Today (Friday), we had yet another unexpected dumping of snow (it was lake effect from a frozen lake...go figure!). Here is where our statistics lie as of midnight on Saturday, January 31.

Friday's snow total: 6.9"

January total so far: 59.2"
This is our 3rd snowiest January ever. 2nd snowiest is January 2004 with 59.9". The snowiest January on record is 62.4" set in 1978. Will we break the record for January? Probably not...but we may very well break into the #2 spot by midnight tomorrow.

Snow so far this winter: 129.5"

This number earns us the #5 spot for snowiest winters in Erie history. We now need less than 20 inches to break the all-time record. Will we do it? I'm not really that worried...after all, we received 1/4 of that amount in four hours today. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that by the time this seemingly Narnian winter ends, we will not only break the all-time record...we will SHATTER it!

Also, the latest update regarding next weeks' storm: it's not going to be nearly as bad as the weather peeps thought just 24 hours ago. In fact, here in Erie, it may not even be close enough to us to give us ANY snow. Danielle told me I can't complain about a storm missing us...especially after what has happened thus far this winter. So...I'm not complaining. I'm just sayin'....

I leave you with some more pics from around town today. It was truly a whiteout at times with horrible driving conditions. And yes, I was taking pictures as I was driving. So sue me.

1. Along the bayfront highway. Couldn't see a thing.
2. The I-79 and 26th St interchange
3. The mounds of snow were creating a canyon along this sidewalk

4. Along 28th St downtown
5. Parade and 28th

Here It Is

7PM Update:
The most recent DGEX model (forecasters use several models to predict weather and make their forecasts. DGEX, which is an acronym for Downscaled GFS with ETA Extension, is one of them) pumped out some incredible snow amounts with this storm next week. If one were to believe this model, Erie sits --yet again-- in the bulls eye. Take a look at the key...and you'll see that cities like Erie, Buffalo, and Rochester sit in the line of >18" snow amounts. In addition to the snow, winds with this thing are expected to be extremely strong. So...add in AT LEAST 18" of snow, 40-50mph winds, and...well, you get the picture. I'm still not gonna say the "B" word yet...but it's getting close.

Holy crap...this is really exciting!


Earlier Post:

Courtesy of AccuWeather.com, here is the first graphic issued for the big storm coming our way next week. If the weather discussions are correct in what they are seeing on the models, we could be looking at a monster storm here early next week. "Crippling", if you will. Stay tuned.

Inching Closer...

I apologize for the shallowness of this blog lately. I just find that weather and politics seem to be more interesting than my own life right now. ;-)

<-- This is what I've been doing pretty much every day since early November. Thank goodness for snow blowers. That's all I have to say.

Well, the storm last night and today has come and gone. With the 1.4" yesterday and 10.1" so far today, that has propelled this January to an unbelievable 52.3", which -- with three days to go-- officially makes this January the 5th snowiest in history.

Seasonally, we are up to an astounding 122.6" (or 10.2 feet). I'll have to ask Brian the Weatherman if he can check to see whether Erie has ever had this much snow at this point in the season. I find it highly unlikely considering that the all-time record for seasonal snowfall is 149.1". I mean, you do realize that it's only January 28...which means we have ALL of February and ALL of March to go....and we only need 27 inches to break the record? (just to give you an idea....if we were to go by last year's snow totals for February and March: In February, we received 28.6" and in March we received 33.9"...meaning that if that were to happen this year, we'd be at 185" by the time March was over. Incredible.)

Also, just so you can say that you heard it here first....some computer models are becoming increasingly confident that a massive storm is going to hit the Eastern United States early next week. There are several possible scenarios, but the most likely one at this point looks to be yet another huge storm for Erie -- possibly making today's storm look like a flurry in comparison. In fact, Henry, my favorite weather guy over at AccuWeather, is already throwing the "B" word out. A blizzard on my birthday next week? Now that would be swell.

Finally, I'd just like to point out that those older folks who use the tired, worn out phrase "the winters just aren't what they used to be"....I mean, I'm sorry -- and I certainly mean no disrespect -- but you obviously have no idea what you are talking about.

I love this epic winter. May it never end!

One for the record books

Yet another winter storm is bearing down on Erie beginning late tonight and is expected to last through much of Wednesday. Although it could drop as much as a foot of new snow on us, the storm itself isn't going to be one for the record books -- but it will certainly put this winter into the record books. In fact, any snow from here on out will be part of some sort of record for us here in Erie. Where do we stand?

So far this winter, 112" of snow has fallen in Erie (or at least at the airport where the official measurements are taken). So far in January alone, we have received 41.5". Where does this stand historically?

Top ten snowiest winters in Erie
1. 149.1 2000-01
2. 143.0 2002-03
3. 142.8 1977-78
4. 131.3 1993-94
5. 129.2 1995-96
6. 124.9 1985-86
7. 122.6 2004-05
8. 120.0 1970-71
9. 118.7 2007-08
10. 115.9 1963-64

So, that means that this winter, with 112 inches, is less than four inches away from getting into the top ten list. With up to 12" forecasted for tonight and tomorrow, we could easily be in the #7 spot by midnight tomorrow night. And with February, March, and April to go, I would think that the all-time record may be in jeopardy. However, with the lake completely frozen now, lake effect has essentially been shut off. We have to rely on storms like the one we are going to get tomorrow.

January Snowfall Records (Top 10)
1. 62.4" in 1978
2. 59.9" in 2004
3. 57.9" in 1999
4. 57.2" in 1985
5. 51.8" in 2003
6. 46.9" in 1994
7. 41.5" in 2009 <-- So far this year
8. 38.8" in 2005
9. 38.3" in 1945
10. 37.7" in 2007
(Erie snow records can be seen here)

With only five days left in the month, it will seem pretty tough to break the all-time snowiest January on record, but I would imagine we'd climb to at least #5 on the list.

As our next storm inches closer to us, I have noticed that the weather guys keep increasing our expected snow amounts. I love when that happens! What was originally expected to miss Erie completely is now expected to put Erie in the path of heaviest snowfall. So, I feel sad for those in southern PA and the Virginia's who wanted snow. Now they're just going to have a nasty icestorm.

Dave's 1st White Christmas Outlook!

That is the question on everybody's mind these days. Everywhere I go, I get asked the question: So, Dave, will Santa be able to land his sleigh safely this year or will he need to fly commercial?

Well, I am pleased to bring to you the very first look at our upcoming Christmas forecast [via AccuWeather]. Keep in mind, Christmas is still about two weeks away, and the forecast can change drastically* between now and then. But for now, it looks really good for us:

If you can read it, you can see that Christmas Eve starts off icy....but then the temps plummet on Christmas Eve night, just in time for Santa to come! He'll have to bundle up though, as the wind chills will be in the MINUS 20's!!

And then Christmas Day itself looks GLORIOUS with snow and a high of 24 and a low of 13.

If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask! In the meantime, enjoy your day and don't forget to be good boys and girls....you wouldn't want Santa to have to make a special stop at your house in wind chills like that just to leave some coal, would you??????




*so don't sue me if this forecast is wrong

Had to post this...

Erie Times News editorial 11/25/08

An early winter? Bring it on!

With so much snow coming so early, we might as well get out and enjoy it. The Old Farmer's Almanac didn't see this coming. It predicted a "mostly mild November" for the lower region of the Great Lakes, from Milwaukee to Syracuse. But now that we've been blanketed with so much snow that we could set a record for November, we might as well enjoy it.

This is for the intrepid folks who build snowmen with "Hug Me" emblazoned across the midsection.

This is for the guy we saw riding his bike down Parade Street, when skies
turned brilliant blue in between snow squalls.

This is for the folks who treat their snowblowers like toys to share, by
clearing off sidewalks and driveways for their neighbors.

This is for the people who know how to wield a snow shovel to scrape a
navigable path for postal employees, delivery workers and school children.

This is for the schoolchildren, who earn a few bucks by shoveling snow,
too.

This is for the owners of Peek'n Peak Resort and Spa, who decided to open three days ahead of schedule after 51 inches of natural snow powdered the slopes.

This is for Peek'n Peak President Steven Lempke, who says the resort can
never have too much snow. He kept the snow-making machines working even as the lake-effect snow fell.

This is for the retailers who entice shoppers to buy a set of skis or a
pair of snowshoes as Christmas presents.

This is for the state and city employees and for the roadmasters who try to keep up with snow during blinding whiteouts.

This is for the tow-truck operators who rescue the drivers who get hung up in their driveways or stuck in the median strip.

This is for the kids who pester parents to take them sledding as soon as
the barren hills are coated white.

This is for the fun-loving parents who flap their arms to create snow
angels with their little ones.

This is for the grandmas and grandpas who warm up the kin with mugs of cocoa sprinkled with marshmallows.

This is for all of us fortunate enough to live on a lake that refreshes us
in summer and plays pranks on us in autumn, by cranking up a snow machine that requires no electricity but provides endless entertainment.

This is what I love about winter. It brings out the best in everybody! Except, of course, those of you who are sourpusses and decide to hate the snow and cold. ;-)

An Erie Autumn

This is what we awoke to this morning:























Be careful out there!

2 of the 41,000,000

Danielle and I are going to be 2 out of an estimated 41 million people who are going to be traveling 50 miles or more next week for Thanksgiving. We are going to be going down to South Carolina to see my Dad and his wife. It should be a fun time. Hopefully we have good weather on the way down, although there is a little part of me that hopes for bad weather (it makes the trip fun).

We're going to have a bunch of new music to listen to (although D and I are notorious for....GASP....having conversations while we drive long distances). In addition to having three full CD's of Christmas music (compliments of Aaron), Danielle downloaded the new Casting Crowns Christmas CD and Sara Groves' new Christmas CD. So we're set music-wise for the trip. I'm wondering if we'll even listen to them, though? We might have too much to talk about.

Another great thing about this trip is that is going to be HALF the cost of the exact same trip that we took just three months ago over Labor Day weekend. Consider that gas, at that time, was about $4/gallon. I heard on the news this morning that the national average of gas will fall below $2/gallon by Thanksgiving. Checking the trusty gasbuddy.com, I see that there are places along our journey that are currently selling gas as low as $1.69/gallon. In the same news report this morning, they said that it is entirely possible that we could see $1.00/gallon gas by midwinter. ONE DOLLAR PER GALLON?? I can't even fathom that. I mean, I've seen it before, but ask me two months ago if that was possible ever again, and I definitely would have said no.

It's strange, because I understand that the country (and the world) is suffering through really bad economic times right now. But for somebody who has nothing invested in the stock market or any other kinds of investments, I actually feel really good about the way things are right now. With gas so low, it's beginning to affect prices on other things too...which is awesome news. Is it bad that I am actually feeling hopeful in this time that so many people are struggling?

Well, I'm going to sign off. But, before I do, I realize that my love for all things winter is a little too obvious to those who know me well. Even here on this blog, I have been talking quite a bit as of late about the weather. But this blog isn't a weather blog, and I know that I must talk about other things once in a while. So today, I'm not going to talk about how AccuWeather says we're supposed to get another 18.5" of snow by Sunday.

Awesome video

This video was shot last night during the thunder snowstorm that struck our area.

Unfortunately, this wasn't captured by me, but it's still a cool video (shot by YouTube user pitt9496 and posted at erieblogs.com)!

This Rocks.

This is the forecast for the next few days:












Can it get any better than this?! And it's only mid-November!

snow!

Today kind of stunk. Oh well. Tomorrow's another day. I did, however, get to see some good snow. I had a film shoot this afternoon and got to drive through some areas of the city that got hit with the snowstorm last night. Lake effect snow is so weird. In one place, you can have absolutely nothing. A mile down the road (literally. a mile. as evidenced by the picture of sunshine, and then 2 minutes later, snow squall) there is half a foot. It was quite a sight today seeing some of the fall leaves still out on the trees:

























It's not just here in the States where we are getting an early taste of winter. London, England woke up to their earliest snowfall in over 70 years this morning (pictured at left). Crazy stuff!

Yes, I do realize I'm a nerd. Ok?




I have so much other stuff to blog about...including an incredibly fun time last weekend....but I just don't have the time right now. Danielle and I spent a couple days up in Toronto and that was fun. And then on Sunday, Aaron, Kelly, Danielle, and I went to Cleveland to celebrate Aaron's 30th at his favorite restaurant. It is definitely now one of my favorite restaurants. Anyway, more on this on another day.



Speaking of Aaron, he turns 30 today and I want to take this opportunity to wish him a happy birthday. Aaron, enjoy your day and may this be the best year you've ever had. Danielle & I love you very much and appreciate your friendship. You are an example to me and I want to thank you for being such a huge part of my life. You really are family to Danielle and I. So, happy birthday, brother. Make it the very best. :-)

Our First Snow!

Ok, so it's not a foot, but it's still snow. Actually, it's not even snow, it's graupel. But it's still exciting.

Goodbye Autumn?

From AccuWeather.com:

There is every indication that the weather is going to turn mighty cold across the Midwest and much of the East next week. As a matter of fact, it will probably look and feel more like the end of November. With all the cold air that is going to rush southward from Canada, there is every reason to believe that there will be plenty of snow flurries and even squalls from the Great Lakes to the Appalachians. It looks like a major trough will develop over the Great Lakes next week. The air mass should be cold enough to support snow downwind from the Great Lakes and into the Appalachians. In fact, some models suggest the snow could be quite heavy and prolonged in some of those areas. This may be a Halloween for the record books.

I also wanted to post a snapshot of the forecast for our area beginning in the next week. From Monday the 28th all the way to the end of the forecast period (Nov 3), there is snow in the forecast every day:












































Of course, weather forecasting is not an exact science, and this all could be model exaggeration. But we'll just have to wait and see. Either way, winter is on it's way...and word on the street is that this year is going to be pretty wild. Yay!

First Snow!!

We are quickly approaching the time of year when many of my blog entries will be about my favorite thing in the world (besides Jesus, Danielle, my family, friends, and Chick-Fil-A): SNOW!

This morning, according to AccuWeather, there was snow in the forecast for the first time this season. Granted, it's still two weeks away, but exciting nonetheless to see snow forecasted!


By the way, they (AccuWeather) just released their winter forecast yesterday and they are predicting a harsh and snowy winter for most of the Eastern USA including the Great Lakes. That is about the best news in the world for me to hear right now. Unfortunately, that also means that it will probably be an extremely expensive winter for many. In fact, Joe Bastardi, the AccuWeather forecaster who issued the Winter 2008-2009 forecast, stated that "many homeowners could be pushed to the brink this winter". That's in line with what the Farmer's Almanac said about how this winter could be "catastrophic". Yikes.

As for Danielle and I? We'll just invest in a few extra blankets and keep the heat at 55. Fun!

An Expensive Winter?

As if we needed anything else to worry about, the Farmer's Almanac has released it's 2008-2009 winter forecast. It is predicting a "numbingly wild and cold" winter for most of the U.S. and especially around the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Northeast. Now, of course as an avid winter enthusiast, I am completely and utterly stoked by such a prediction. But Peter Geiger, the almanac's editor, stated, "This is going to be catastrophic for millions of people." Of course, he is referring to the astronomical rise in oil prices (read: the cost to heat your home) since last winter and how a frigid winter may affect people this year.

For now, I'm just going to assume, hope, and pray that oil prices go down to $15/barrel by the start of winter so that gas is $1.10/gallon and our monthly gas bills are under $30 during the winter months. So, if I keep that optimistic and positive attitude, I will not feel guilty about the fact that I am excited for a "numbingly cold" winter up in these parts.

And yes, I know that it is the Farmer's Almanac. BUT, they do claim 80-85% accuracy. I'd say those are pretty good odds. :-D