What a difference a couple of miles makes.
Monday I was writing about how people had started to wear winter clothing and insinuating that the weather forecast did not look good. Well, I wasn't kidding; as of this morning, there were some places to the west of Marquette with 18 inches of snow on the ground, schools are finally starting to reopen, and "The Today Show" thought it so bad that they had to open Tuesday's broadcast from the middle of a snowy street in Negaunee.
So I can just imagine the reaction when I received several messages from people downstate asking if we were shut down, and sent them this picture in reply--
That was right outside the station yesterday afternoon, right in the middle of Snowmageddon for everyone else. While everyone else was dealing with snow, snow, and more snow, we had nothing but rain and wind. Oh, schools were closed because students coming into Marquette couldn't make it, but aside from a few errant flakes in the air we were snow free.
What we did have (aside from copious amounts of rain) was wind, and lots of it, howling off the very same lake that kept us snow free. When I went running a few minutes ago I had to dodge downed branches half a dozen times and twice saw trees that had been knocked over. Presque Isle is closed, not only so city officials see what kind of damage was caused, but also to keep people off of Black Rocks when there are strong winds and 20 foot waves.
That's right--people were at Black Rocks taking pictures during the storm even though two were swept to their death a few years ago during another event with strong winds and 20 foot waves. You'd think they'd learn, but, apparently...
So if you're curious, we came through it without a scratch. I can't say the same for everyone just a few miles away, but at least here in Marquette, I don't think the "Today Show" will be stopping by for a weather-related live broadcast any time soon.
(jim@wmqt.com)
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