Barkingturtle wrote:
Although I've gotta say, it's funny watching the news this morning and seeing folks panic at a couple of inches.
Y'know, I used to think the same thing. I thought it was hilarious that the city would virtually close down if there were half an inch, and figured it was because these people just weren't used to driving in snow, and I patted myself on the back for being an experienced winter driver and scoffed at the idea of chains and studded tires.
Then we had a fairly major storm a few years ago--about 4-6 inches of snow one day, and the next day freezing rain, which meant the snow had a lovely glazing of ice all over it. And I had an appointment I didn't want to miss, so I went out in that. And that's when I realized the major differences between winter driving in Michigan and winter driving here.
Snow plows and salt trucks. The reason this city closes down at half an inch is because there aren't nearly enough snow plows--the interstates and major thoroughfares will eventually be plowed over the course of a couple days, but the side streets and residential areas never will be, so if it's icy, there's a good chance you will never get out of your driveway. And while we have a few sand trucks, those are:
1) not nearly as effective as salt and
2) not nearly sufficient in quantity
So, now I have a good deal more respect for the rare snowfall in the Portland area. Or maybe being here for 10 years has made me soft...