Blizzard

Last night was the largest snowstorm in Chicago since 1967. Today is the first day in 40 years that the local Lab School has declared a snow day. Last night the University issued a "Shelter in Place" warning, asking everyone not to go outside for the night, even if they were still at work. We experienced Thundersnow and 20 foot waves on Lake Michigan. The highway is shut down. The city is shut down.

My experience during this time has been relatively pleasant and of course very exciting. I came home early around 3pm in high winds and light snow. The snow stung like needles. It worsened significantly until 8pm, when it hit peak and apparently it stayed there until early afternoon today. Friends coming home at 9pm had icicles in their beards. My power went out and, because my boiler is controlled by an electronic circuit, so did my heat. I spent the night with candles and a pile of blankets. I also went for a very brief run (just a few blocks) to experience a force of nature that I imagine I will never again experience in my life.

This morning I woke up and enjoyed the peace and quiet of a home and neighborhood that is completely off. When ComED restored our power the roar of all the refrigerators, lights, fans, and various electrical systems was startlingly loud. Silence is a rare luxury. I bundled up and went for a walk down to the lake.

Today walking is a challenge. Some sidewalks have been shoveled. Some haven't. Some streets have been plowed. Some haven't. Some snowbanks are four feet high. Some only a few inches. Everyone is excited. It's a city-wide snowday and we all get to go exploring. The local park next to the Lake is a mixture of Winter Wonderland and Fantastic Apocalypse. The Lake is frozen and covered with snow as far as one can see.

The more experienced Midwesterners are out navigating the city on cross-country skis and snowshoes. The less experienced city-dwellers try to drive, eventually abandoning their cars in the middle of the road. Awkward walkers are everywhere and cameras are omnipresent. Now that the snow has stopped neighbors are out together shoveling the sidewalk and freeing eachothers' cars.

I've taken a few pictures and have posted them on Picasa. Enjoy!

Standing on the median of Lake Shore Drive (like Pacific Coast Highway)

Overlooking Lake Michigan

Townspeople out for a walk in the neighborhood. Everyone walks on the plowed streets rather than the semi-shoveled sidewalks.

Tomorrow. Coldest day of the winter so far! 0F/-18C!