topic Re: We are cold down South....... in Home

We are cold down South.......

Georgiagrama — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:04:14 GMT

I absolutely cannot believe some of the unkind remarks directed to the South in general over the mess this cold weather has caused. No one expected what happened and it was only predicted to be a light sprinkling of snow in Atlanta, with an ice storm further South. Everything happened so fast until it really caught people off guard. I've read some of the most unkind remarks imaginable about Southerners. I really don't think anyone, anywhere, is really prepared or trained to drive on black ice and that's what happened in Atlanta. At least people were willing to help each other in any way they could, sharing food, water and even opening their homes to strangers.
We may not know how to drive on ice in the South (why should we, it's a rare event), but we do know how to treat each other kindly. I just think that it is unfair to be referred to as an ignorant hick because we aren't prepared for a few days of freezing cold weather and ice.

Just a rant I guess, so please don't take this post the wrong way or personally. We at least sympathize with anyone who suddenly has to deal with the heat that we deal with for 8 months out of the year, we don't make fun of them.

Re: We are cold down South.......

gazelle77 — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:12:31 GMT

Here in Seattle, we are just like you. It is a mess with just an inch of snow. People make fun of us too!

Re: We are cold down South.......

StylishLady — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:16:25 GMT

Made it to the low 60's here today, but rain this afternoon prevented me from getting any yard work done. Feel sorry for those folks tied up in traffic back north.

Re: We are cold down South.......

traveler — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:20:10 GMT

I have been reading stories about Atlanta schoolkids trapped on buses and spending night in school later. Of parents caught in traffic 24 hours after trying to drive to schools. Wow

Re: We are cold down South.......

conlt — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:20:35 GMT

I am from Massachusetts but I live in Florida now. What people don't understand is the cities and towns do not have access to sand and plows like the Northern people do. So when it snows, it is a big deal. My sister, who lives in Massachusetts still, teases me about being cold but I can guarantee her I can spin circles around her when it is hot and humid. We get used to where we live. We are better equipped in the South for the heat, that is why we don't hear of many people dying of heat exhaustion in the south like we see on TV when there is a heat wave in the North. We simply have air conditioned buildings everywhere and good air conditioning, just like the Northerno people have snow plows, salt, and sand to deal with the ice and snow.

Re: We are cold down South.......

Pandalady — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:21:28 GMT

Hi Retired08! I just wanted to come by as a fellow "Georgian" to tell you, "Thank you" for posting this. I've lived here my whole life and I remember "snow jam '82" and how I was stuck in it for 3 hours. I also think it is unfair to receive all of the negative publicity this week. The energy would be much better spent with thoughts of those stuck in traffic that they get home with their families soon.

Re: We are cold down South.......

Georgiagrama — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:25:25 GMT

On 1/29/2014 gazelle77 said: Here in Seattle, we are just like you. It is a mess with just an inch of snow. People make fun of us too!

I guess I just don't understand. Bad weather is bad weather no matter where you are or how equipped or ill equipped you are to deal with it.

Re: We are cold down South.......

4OU2 — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:27:46 GMT

I feel for you guys. We get extreme heat and extreme winter conditions. Our city is pretty small and hasn't the budget for all that snow plowing equipment, even though we know we will have some really bad icing and snow. We just do the best with what we have. With all the crazy weather we've all seen in recent years, we all had better come up with some plans for the worst that can happen. Spring will be coming soon and we should all be preparing for those types of storms. Our planet is trying to tell us something.

Re: We are cold down South.......

Georgiagrama — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:31:55 GMT

On 1/29/2014 conlt said: I am from Massachusetts but I live in Florida now. What people don't understand is the cities and towns do not have access to sand and plows like the Northern people do. So when it snows, it is a big deal. My sister, who lives in Massachusetts still, teases me about being cold but I can guarantee her I can spin circles around her when it is hot and humid. We get used to where we live. We are better equipped in the South for the heat, that is why we don't hear of many people dying of heat exhaustion in the south like we see on TV when there is a heat wave in the North. We simply have air conditioned buildings everywhere and good air conditioning, just like the Northerno people have snow plows, salt, and sand to deal with the ice and snow.

Thank you conlt!!

Re: We are cold down South.......

Georgiagrama — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:35:03 GMT

On 1/29/2014 panda lady said:
Hi Retired08! I just wanted to come by as a fellow "Georgian" to tell you, "Thank you" for posting this. I've lived here my whole life and I remember "snow jam '82" and how I was stuck in it for 3 hours. I also think it is unfair to receive all of the negative publicity this week. The energy would be much better spent with thoughts of those stuck in traffic that they get home with their families soon.

You are very welcome. It's a shame that there are those from colder climates who make fun of us, but, they are moving down here in droves.

There are so many people helping those who are still stranded. Georgia is a good state to live in and I wouldn't leave here for anything.

Re: We are cold down South.......

Bobby K — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:39:11 GMT

Hello Dear Retired,

I have learned that people can be very insensitive, ignorant and rude...not only on these forums, but life in general. We watched yesterday on the news as Atlanta was in a horrible gridlock situation. It was awful. And yes, the other posters are right...certain states in certain places are not prepared for certain weather conditions. If it snowed where we live in California...we don't even know what a salt or gravel truck is. And we would be in a mess. I felt so sorry for all the people in GA that were stuck in the horrible weather mess. Also..I have an extremely soft spot in my heart for anybody in GA as my dear aunt and uncle lived in Valdosta for over 30 yrs. I hope you are staying safe and warm, my friend. You and Pop, be careful and don't walk or drive on any ice. It can be treacherous. Don't let the mean and ignorant people get you down. I know how that can be ,as I let them get to me too. Sending a warm California hug to you, my friend. Stay safe and warm.

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nagrom — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:45:13 GMT

I don't think it matters where you live. In emergent conditions it matters more that people pull together and give shelter or whatever is needed to the best of their abilities. We all have severe conditions at one time or another and our actions separate us. At the end of the day do we feel good about our choices. We cannot control mother nature. So many times the weatherman predicts something and what we really get is entirely different. The southern states have different weather concerns than the northern states. Each is prepared for things exclusive to their region. What I do know is that I am tired of winter cold and snow. I would like some spring right now.

I hope the groundhog can predict and get it right this year.......early spring

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dooBdoo — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:47:10 GMT

Hi, Retired08! I'm from the South and most of my family (and many of my friends) are in East Tennessee and North Georgia and Alabama. None of us appreciate the mean-spirited, mocking comments.

I just saw this posted by several of my friends and family (apologies for the length, but many posters don't like to click links):

For those saying "The South can't deal with a little snow."

This Is The Best Explanation We've Seen For Why All Of Atlanta Is Stuck In Traffic

"...It isn't just snow. In fact, if it was merely snow, we'd all be mostly fine. Admittedly, this is Atlanta, where even rain can lengthen an evening commute. On certain days, we'll even have something the traffic reporters call a "sunshine slowdown" because the glare is the only explanation for it. But for the most part, we're all used to what effect weather has on our getting to and fro.

But imagine this scenario: The weather service has been calling for severe snow for a few days, but the predictions only promise an inch or less. Now, it is one thing for you the commuter to scoff at the weather, but what if your municipal powers-that-be took the same attitude? No preparation, no salting or sanding before hand, and (this is the big one) no planned municipal closures.

So high noon rolls around and the snow arrives, and hey, that stuff is coming down pretty hard, like something seriously worth considering. It is at this time that the powers-that-be decide to close several offices and multiple schools.

Schools. Schools containing children whose parents haven't planned to fetch them until much later. So all of those parents now have to go rushing from wherever to their school of choice. Atlanta is a driving city, not a walking city or especially a rail or bus city, so thus commences a volley of unexpected traffic volume.

As the snow falls, several businesses catch the same idea, so they too decide to roll up the carpet and send their employees home a few hours early. This is a second unexpected volley of traffic.

Oh, and the sand trucks? They're heading out for their first run. We've about 30 or 40 such trucks to serve all of Atlanta, by the way.

Now this whole time, the snow is still falling and since the temperature has been hovering right around 27 degrees, the stuff is sticking to the streets. All of these commuters are crowding these streets, and while some are lucky to have found some roads favored by that first run of sanding, most are just plowing through and keeping the streets mostly ice-free by friction alone.

But with added volume, because the number of cars keeps increasing, these streets are getting crowded and the traffic is slowing and the snow melt that used to work so well isn't nearly so effective. Now that melted snow is refreezing under the tires of all of these stacked motorists. Those tires manage to melt a little of the top layer, but it freezes right back quickly. The result is a particularly Southern phenomena that looks and feels like cold glass.

What about the sand trucks? Well, they've made it through their first run, but now they can't so quickly get back to the warehouses to get more of that precious sand.

And all of those commuters? They're getting to know one another quite well, with run-ins and rear-endings and side-swipes that make it necessary for the police to be involved, and occasionally a fire truck, sadly an ambulance.

A few of those commuters just say "Screw it" and leave their cars where they get stuck, stomping off into the snow in hopes of stumbling home.

Did I mention the school buses that were still trying to get kids home at 10pm or later?

It is a horrible and dreadful and disastrous situation, and while it is easy to mock, please take a moment to consider just how quickly this escalated and how it could've been prevented. This is more than your typical case of 'The South can't deal with a little snow.'"

Re: We are cold down South.......

dooBdoo — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 03:50:47 GMT

This is great, too! Good people lending a helping hand.

13 Examples Of People Being Awesome In The Middle Of The Atlanta Traffic Jam

"Amid all the snow-related nonsense going down in Atlanta, people are showing immense compassion on a local Facebook group, SnowedOutAtlanta...

...offers of assistance are also being publicized. People with large vehicles are selflessly posting their contact information to retrieve those stranded or bring supplies. Members are also opening up their homes for shelter..."

http://www.businessinsider.com/snowedoutatlanta-facebook-page-2014-1

Re: We are cold down South.......

Georgiagrama — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:31:30 GMT

On 1/29/2014 Bobby K said:
Hello Dear Retired,

I have learned that people can be very insensitive, ignorant and rude...not only on these forums, but life in general. We watched yesterday on the news as Atlanta was in a horrible gridlock situation. It was awful. And yes, the other posters are right...certain states in certain places are not prepared for certain weather conditions. If it snowed where we live in California...we don't even know what a salt or gravel truck is. And we would be in a mess. I felt so sorry for all the people in GA that were stuck in the horrible weather mess. Also..I have an extremely soft spot in my heart for anybody in GA as my dear aunt and uncle lived in Valdosta for over 30 yrs. I hope you are staying safe and warm, my friend. You and Pop, be careful and don't walk or drive on any ice. It can be treacherous. Don't let the mean and ignorant people get you down. I know how that can be ,as I let them get to me too. Sending a warm California hug to you, my friend. Stay safe and warm.

Thank you sweet Bobby K.

Pop and I are safe and warm. We got supplies early yesterday and came home and hunkered down. Pop is no longer the best driver on the road and neither of us can risk a fall at our age. We were expecting the weather to be much worse, but it's bad enough that schools were closed and are to be closed tomorrow due to the ice. We didn't get the snow that Atlanta got, but we did get the ice. We will keep our little granddaughter tomorrow because her pre school is closed. The roads are just too slippery and buildings aren't equipped for heat that is needed in this kind of damp, cold weather. They just weren't expecting that much snow in Atlanta in such a short time and things went haywire. It's unusual, as you know, for the South. I just hate it when so many unkind things are said. It's not a yearly thing for us.

I'm sorry about your dear uncle. Valdosta is a beautiful area....lots of things to do, great seafood and now that they have Wild Adventures there are all kind of famous entertainers there all summer. A great place to live. Clean town and friendly, happy people. I know your Aunt and Uncle enjoyed living there.

Take care of yourself dear. Stay well.

Re: We are cold down South.......

bonnielu — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:33:41 GMT

I just wonder what will happen next time around. It would seem that nobody planned for the worse and now the worse happened, what next. I live in an area that treats snowfall before it happens and the one time we could not handle it, we called on our friends up north in Rochester to come on down with heavy equipment. We made the record for snowfall in one week (3 years ago) and the blowing snow actually buried our plows as they moved. Schools were closed in advance, residents were told to stay home and the state and the locals worked on the roads. It was a coordinated effort of all agencies to get the job done minus the public trying to get around.

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FallowedGround — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:43:48 GMT

I've never read your posts to be anything but comments from a true southern lady, Retired, and I know how you feel. I'm not far from you either. It's true the media elite has it's bias, but I'm not sure who's being so mean. I hope you thaw out soon!

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Desertdi — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:57:45 GMT

I hear ya! I live in Arizona......and some of my Eastern relatives are ""shocked"" that I have indoor plumbing.............

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twinny70 — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 05:12:15 GMT

Dear Retired, I sympathize with you that live in these affected areas. We have had a very cold, snowy winter here in WI this year. I was born and raised here but it is still starting to get to be enough for the season. I love the change of seasons. Summer is the season I least favor. I like colder weather, but not the bitter cold we are having right now. The schools were closed for two days this week so those days will have to be made up at the end of the school year. My DH & I are retired too, so we are glad we don't have to leave the house every day. Right now I am having fun decluttering the house as it is too cold to go outside for anything except necessary items or Dr. appts.

I know you bought quite a few owls for the Christmas season. My white "Lisa" owls are still up with the lights and boa's around them. I get many compliments on them too. I never did get to a CB, but hope to next time we are on vacation and we come upon one somewhere.

Stay safe.

Re: We are cold down South.......

Venezia — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 05:14:23 GMT

Stay inside, stay safe and ignore any who "mock". You will get through it. (And, BTW, no one I know is mocking. They are just sympathizing with you all, so it must be a limited few who are doing the mocking.)