The Weather Outside Is Frightful… And Probably Ruining Your Commute
By Meha AhmadThe Weather Outside Is Frightful… And Probably Ruining Your Commute
By Meha AhmadIt’s a #SnowDay in Chicago!
Chicago is expecting up to 14 inches of snow this weekend, according to reports. It’s not quite “Snowmageddon” 3.0 but it has been enough to make a spin-out a common sight. At least the weather has been kind enough to get us in the mood for opening weekend of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Thanks for the inspiration, Kevin McCallister. #snowday #chicago pic.twitter.com/U3ivlaW6re
— Qoftwignberry (@Qoftwignberry) February 9, 2018
A statement from Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s office encouraged the city’s residents to stay inside if possible and to check on friends and family. It also says that the Department of Streets and Sanitation has deployed more than 280 salt spreaders across the city. Yay, city.
While some have been relishing in a snow day, many others braved the roads this morning.
Now, it’s time to get ready for the reverse commute. Risk Pulse’s chief meteorologist Jon Davis offered tips on what to look out for and Morning Shift listeners shared their plans for the weekend.
On what to expect for your commute
Jon Davis: In comparison to ‘Snowmageddon’ of 2011 and 2013 to 2014 we have way less snow this time. The thing about ‘13-‘14 is that we already had snow on the ground for about three months — and persistent cold. This time is a lot different from our last really bad winter.
Tip: The city tows more on the weekends than on weekdays.
On which industries get hit the hardest by wintry weather
Listener Karen, a health worker in Wheaton called in while navigating I-355. Her company reminded their teams today that they don’t get a day off.
How’s your #snowday going, Chicago? The reverse commute is underway for the medical, streets/san and shelter workers who put on their capes this morning. pic.twitter.com/OJuuiuU4im
— Morning Shift (@WBEZmorning) February 9, 2018
Davis: At Risk Pulse, we think that today will see some of the highest numbers of workers who are working from home. Technology has improved, this storm has been forecast for quite some time, and it’s Friday.
But with Chicago being the central hub of transportation across the Central and Eastern U.S., that begins to cause major logistical problems to the supply chain. As anyone who flies knows, when you tend to have big problems at the airports in Chicago, you have big problems in different areas because of the disruption to the supply chain. Since it’s going to be a three-day event, that compounds some of the problems.
Tip: At least there’s extra time to snuggle. Map the best route to your boo.
On the state of the salad aisle: about last night
So, this photo says it all, right?
Looks like people really needed bagged salad from Target to make it thru the storm. I bought Oreos #chicago #ilwx #target #snowday pic.twitter.com/QBfhO3TAie
— Nicole (@mandelgrooveiv) February 9, 2018
A listener from Rogers Park named Sherri called in to tell Morning Shift she had stocked up on groceries to be ready to celebrate her powder white birthday. She plans to spend time with the bouncy kids in the apartment upstairs.
It wasn’t a quiet #snowday for this birthday gal either 🎂. pic.twitter.com/AQbMbkdZQH
— Morning Shift (@WBEZmorning) February 9, 2018
The FOMO is real. We heard from more listeners about how they are spending their snowy weekends.
Listeners on staying home with the kids
Alice from Garfield Park was hanging out with her twin tots. They were waiting to star in a mini Opening Ceremony atop the sled hills her husband made for them. But she’s a little bummed for her other little ones — she’s a drama teacher at Chicago Public Schools.
And ICYMI #CPS students: Your teachers missed you today. pic.twitter.com/kSuX8zN4AG
— Morning Shift (@WBEZmorning) February 9, 2018
This next caller made host Jenn White laugh out loud. If you’re a parent — or a sibling sandwiched between your nephews and the basement apartment — you probably will, too.
For those of you who typically #telecommute, how’d that go? How’s the family? Michael in Indiana made @JWhitePubRadio LOL with this tidbit. pic.twitter.com/6BcWzBOXWX
— Morning Shift (@WBEZmorning) February 9, 2018
TIP: Some museums will be open.
GUEST:
Jon Davis, chief meteorologist with Risk Pulse
This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity by Gabrielle Wright. Click the “play” button to hear an audio version.