The Storm of the Century?

This is New England. This is what New Englanders expect - snow and lots of it. Yet we have an unusual relationship with snowstorms. I have never heard anyone express disappointment at being missed by a tornado, hurricane, or earthquake. I have heard disappointment expressed over a predicted snowstorm that failed to materialize. There's just something about a snowstorm. Maybe it is because of the time we have to prepare due to forecasting. We stock up on groceries, fill the tub with water, get out the candles and flashlights, and watch the weather forecasts to track the storm's approach. Some people have parties. Others are drawn to the coast to watch the fury of the sea. The atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation.

Weather forecasting makes this curious attraction to winter storms possible. The warnings save lives as they give people ample time to prepare. The Blizzard of '78 was devastating because people had no warning.

Did the news people make too much of the Storm of '01? Not really. They just failed to follow the storm after it passed through New York. Did the weather forecasters fall into a "blizzy"? No, not really. They were abandoned by the news media after the storm passed through New York. Was it the "Storm of the Century?" Yes, this was the "Storm of the Century" - so far. I have no doubt, as any New Englander can tell you, that at some point during the next 99 years there will be bigger storms, but for now, this one was the big one.

If you are interested in all kinds of weather, check out Weather by Amy Marquis

While the Northeast dealt with Snow, the Northwest dealt with an Earthquake. Check out Jerri Brooker's Washington State articles:
Nisqually Earthquake, 2001
Picking Up the Pieces - After the Earthquake

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