By Kyle Kardell–As winter approaches there is mixed weather as well as mixed emotions. Some people anticipate winter and look forward to the festivities and holidays that come with it; while others dread it and consider moving south.
Kris O’Neill grew up in the Sioux City area. “My favorite part of winter is definitely the holidays and looking forward to seeing family. As a kid I loved winter, I looked forward to the snow days of school, and snow was fun!” said Kris. “Now at this age I enjoy winter up until Christmas, then it needs to be over.”
He has his share of “snow day” stories and how spending time with family got him through winter. He described how one night when the electricity was out in the house, his family gathered around the stove to stay warm. “That is one of my favorite winter memories as a family.”
Kris has adapted and made the most of what Siouxland weather has thrown at him. His advice: “Don’t let the cold weather make you lazy, and don’t start playing the Christmas music too early.”
There are people from warmer parts of the world like Mitch Kellogg from Los Angeles, California. Mitch anticipates winter being very different here in Sioux City, compared to the City of Angels. “I already have layers and layers of clothing in preparation for the low temps,” said Kellogg.
“I have been hearing that it could be a bad winter,” he said, preparing for the worst. “I anticipate blizzards, not being able to drive, the usual winter problems.”
He thinks he will handle it just fine. “I’m excited as well, but I’m sure I will get fed up with it pretty quickly. I am going to try my best to keep a positive attitude and just enjoy the new experience,” Kellogg said.
Asked about his expectations for the approaching winter, KTIV Chief Meteorologist Ron Demers joked, “That is the million dollar question, if I knew the exact answer to that I would be a rich man.”
He did say, “It appears we will receive more than average snowfall, combined with a Super El Nino. This usually creates warmer temperatures, but can sometimes bring colder than average temperatures as well. “
Ron described some funny winter related experiences he has had. He recalled a blizzard over Christmas a couple of years ago. He said, “I had a few days off work for the Christmas Holiday when we were hit with a big storm. My boss called me and said I needed to come into work and I couldn’t even get out of my driveway. My neighbors helped me scoop out enough so I could get to the news station and tell everybody how bad it was outside.”
Demers offered some advice that might come in handy during the upcoming colder months. He said, “Make sure to have your car packed with warm clothes and blankets in case you get stranded somewhere. Also make sure to prepare your house with candles and extra blankets in case of power going out”.
All predictions and opinions aside there is one thing certain; winter is coming. Prepare yourself, your house, and your car to make sure this winter is a memorable one.
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