Historic winter storm hits the US. Live coverage from a couch

February 6, 2010, West Chester, PA 11:50 PM.

Looks like it’s not gonna stop snowing so I’m stranded here until the glaciers recede. Probably sometime during the day after tomorrow (pun intended).

According to Tom Moore, Lead Meteorologist of the Weather Channel this is a [rephrase] historic storm which will paralyze the Mid-Atlantic (us included). I’d post the link but it’s a dynamic page. By the time you check it the title might read “it’s always sunny in Philadelphia” (another bad joke, this is getting old). For short, you can call it the “snowpocalypse” or “snowmageddon” as local media has preferred to call it, according to foreign sources.

I feel like I worked in a call center all day. It rained call-offs. I had hoped I’d be able to rush out to my girlfriend’s (who lives closer than I do) before it got too bad but as the day progressed I realized that the plan was only wishful thinking.

Among other co-workers, I decided to stay put and volunteered to do the overnight shift at one of our units since the overnight staff wasn’t gonna make it.

I dunno how many, if any, interesting things I’ll run into tonight since my only window to the world is… a window. So far the most exciting thing has been the Plow Truck going back and forth piling up snow on the sides of the circle. Not exactly a thrill ride.

Tell you what. If the snow mountain reaches 1 meter (40 inches for my american buddies who still fight against the tide) I’ll take a dive at 5am (things you do to stay awake). BTW, for those who don’t know me, I’m mentally sane, I swear.

230 words so far and no enlightenment yet so I’d rather write about tonight. Mental note: this is why I added the “other stuff” part of to blog’s tagline… nothing can ever be off-topic ;-)

So tonight I’m just gonna tell the story of tonight seen through a window from a cozy sofa… and some internet magic.

Speaking of internet magic, I’ll start posting the story and I’ll update as I go. Also check me on Twitter @ftarnogol .

12:25 AM

This is the “mountain” at 12:22 AM.

12:42 AM

Things are getting exciting over here. The plow truck passed for the 2nd time in 30 minutes. We need a traffic light in here, traffic is getting crazy. (note: great job Maintenance guys!)

12:45 AM

They just shoveled more snow on my mountain. Thanks for the contribution.

I’ve read in tens of blogs that readers love bulleted lists and that they drive traffic like crazy (I’ll place the list in a lightly colored box for eye candy).

This is what’s in stock in case you decide to hang on through the night with me:

Coverage of the numerous passes of the Plow Truck

Live broadcast of the moment where I drink my half a litre (1 pint) of Red Bull

Something completely unexpected (more wishful thinking here)

Real-time coverage  of  the most awaited event of the night. My (likely) dive into the snow-pile

Interview post-plunge. At the ground zero and in exclusive. You won’t see it on CNN

Hourly observations from my vantage point: with my back against the window (I forgot my extension cord at home)

An early morning roundup so you can get informed while having breakfast

In other news, and speaking of unexpected things, a piece from a wing of a Boeing 747 fell from the skies and landed in a parking lot  in Miami (link is in Spanish. Has a cool picture thou). Also, the last member of an ancient tribe dies. Obviously the tribe is now extinct.

According to CNN the storm is “EPIC”. I can’t see much from here so I’ll have to believe them.

1:58 AM

Wait, now they say that the storm is a [begin quote] Deadly ‘epic snowstorm’ [end quote]. Is this CNN or Fox News? If they blame Obama for it we’ll know which one it really is.

2:43 AM

I just ventured outside for a couple of minutes (front porch). Wind is blowing hard from the East and the trucks are struggling to keep their pace. I thought I saw Tiger Woods for a second but it was a snow-mirage (yes, the do exist. Also to my surprise).

4:10 AM

I just finished watching the mid-season finale of Fringe. Decent but not whoooaaa! News from outside haven’t changed. It’s still snowing.

Did you know that you can now watch live streaming video from the International Space Station? [Totally unsponsored ad]

4:20 AM

It’s time for one of the milestones of the night.  I just got back from the fridge with my Red Bull. Picture of me after drinking it at 4:30 AM to follow.

4:23 AM

This is me post-Red Bull.

5:05 AM

Here’s the mountain at 5 AM. Unfortunately it didn’t reach the goal. Yet.

And with the main event of the night cancelled  I’ll quietly walk out through the back door whistling softly and in the shadows. I owe you the snow plunge guys. Hopefully it will be during the next “Historical Deadly Epic Snow Storm” on 2047. Unless Al Gore is right about Global Warming and then it could be as soon as the next couple of weeks days (next Tuesday according to CNN).

6 AM

Since I’m crashing I had to find something to keep me entertained. I kept the Program Monitor phone with me so I’m helping the Night Supervisor by relaying the new wave of call outs. This should keep me busy until 7.

Things are not gonna get better until until tomorrow evening/night. There have been reports of power lines falling and people has died out there. Be safe this morning. Stay home.

Technorati Tags: blogging, coverage, live, PA, Pennsylvania, snow, snowmaggedon, snowpocalypse, snowstorm, storm, US, USA, weather, winter

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