Blizzard! Really?

Now here's something one doesn't typically see in the local weather forecast: "blizzard" intoned in serious tone and aspect by local forecasters. The following is derived from the NWS Web site.

Issued by The National Weather Service
Lubbock, TX

Sun, Feb 24, 2013, 11:00 PM CST

Local Radar Map

Updated Feb 25, 2013, 12:05am CST

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... BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 6 PM CST MONDAY...

* TIMING... SNOW ACROSS THE FAR NORTHWEST SOUTH PLAINS AND EXTREME SOUTHWESTERN TEXAS PANHANDLE TONIGHT... WILL SPREAD EAST THROUGH MOST OF THE DAY TOMORROW. SNOW SHOULD END ACROSS THE EASTERN ROLLING PLAINS AND EXTREME SOUTHEASTERN TEXAS PANHANDLE TOMORROW EVENING.

* SNOW TOTALS... THREE TO SIX INCHES WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS.

Lubbock is not known for deep snowfalls or, for that matter, winter storm warnings. In the 18 years I've lived here, I can count on one hand the number of times we've had memorable snowfall events - precisely 2.

And both of those storms were 1-day affairs; a quick dumping of 6-to-13 inches of snow, then a rapid return of sunlight that melted the snow within a couple of hours, leaving the roads nearly dry and free of the white blanket before sunset.

So believe me when I tell you that for Lubbockites to hear the word "blizzard" in their weather forecast is reason for consternation, nervous jokes, apprehensive musings and, of course, high hopes for every grammar school kid in the city.

I'm beginning to understand the reason that South Plains folk spent long hours discussing weather back in the 1930s, '40s and '50s. It was the uniting influence for every soul who has dwelled on the empty, wind-swept lands.

Plus, the economic engine that still drives the region is cotton and other types of agriculture, so weather is a determining factor for family life, in practical and esoteric terms.

Outside, pebbles of frozen precipitation are coating the ground and streets at the moment.I wonder if actual snow will tumble from the heavens?

Like most men/boys, I dream of dancing and falling freely into deep piles of soft, fluffy snow - though it's highly unlikely that we'll get that kind of precipitation. More likely we'll be coated in ice and freezing rain, as is typical of the region, particularly of late.

Yawn.

Monday is upon me, and work looms large even as the clock ticks toward 2 a.m. I've learned to get by on four hours or less of sleep, though some days are better than others when it comes to attentiveness and focus.

I count my blessings if I'm able to get to sleep by 4 a.m., but whether I do or don't, the alarm goes off at 7 a.m., regardless.

If we do, in fact, experience a blizzard with 6-inch snowfall, I expect (read, "hope") that the university and, thus, my department, will halt activity today in the name of safety, which will be a welcome respite from what I anticipate will be a thoroughly unpleasant Monday - for reasons that shall remain confidential here.

So "come on winter storm. Show me what you've got! Please, let's see some 'real' snow blanket the South Plains, along with blizzard conditions, and even dangerously cold wind chill levels!"

Thus and so, goodnight.