Cold now? There's nothing like looking at a snowy image to remind you that winter is on the way.
So far this year, we haven't picked up any measurable snow in the Tri-State. We haven't even seen flurries.
But that was NOT the case one year ago today. Let me set the stage.
Winter storm warnings. Overnight snow and daytime snow. Schools closed. Businesses closed. Records broken.
Snow began late November 16, 2014 after evening rain showers in the Tri-State. It switched to snow around 10 p.m. and by midnight, 0.2 inches of snow fell. But it continued to come down in the overnight hours. This lead to a mess on our roads to start the day on November 17, 2014. Schools were closed and roads were hazardous.
But it didn't end there. Snow kept falling throughout the day and piled up in the Tri-State. Snow didn't stop falling and accumulating in Cincinnati until nearly 8 p.m. In all, 5.1 inches of snow fell in Cincinnati during this storm and this set the record for snowfall on November 17.
Snow Totals - http://www.wcpo.com/weather/national-weather-service-releases-unofficial-snowfall-totals
Why am I bringing this up? A little of this is purely for perspective. It could always be worse as we roll into winter. We've run on the mild side more often than not this fall and it means that each weather system that has passed has only resulted in rain.
But it's also a reminder that the winter season is starting a bit later for 2015 when you compare it to 2014. We recorded trace amounts of snow on November 1, 13, 14 and 15 before this first measurable event of the year in 2014. On average, our first measurable snow event falls by November 29th.
But snow events like this do bring back fun memories too. This was my first snow to cover since moving to Cincinnati. I'm from Illinois so a little snow never fazes me!
This also reminds me a really cool story 9 On Your Side's Tony Mirones did last year about the snow system. La Salle High School was still in the playoffs and needed their field snow and ice free for the coming weekend. 40 people, including several players, worked during their day off from school to clear the field.
La Salle Story - http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/snowfall-creates-fun-opportunity-for-kids-community