With all the talk of the historical winter storm New England was so politely greeted with overnight, what better time is there than now to do a throw back post and share my first blizzard experience with you all? I love having this blog because it allows me to recap events that I never want to forget, and Blizzard Nemo of February 2013 that dumped 3 feet of snow, pre blogging days, is certainly one of them.
Like most big storms, we knew it was coming. We were warned. But no amount of stories or pictures can portray the actual experience of being in the middle of it or taking your first step outside to see the aftermath.
It was our first year living in New England and Chris and I had already seen a few snow storms, but nothing like this. To describe a blizzard to those that have never experienced one, it’s basically this: a category 1 hurricane, but instead of rain, think snow. Snow that is coming down and blowing so hard with gusting winds that it’s impossible to see in front of you. It’s like the sideways heavy rain in a hurricane but snow, and when you look into it, it feels like sand flying into your face. To top it all off, add in some thunder snow (actual thunder during a snow storm, how crazy is that) and you have the formula that calls for a New England version of a hurricane party.
Since it was a potential once in a life time experience, staying inside of our 6th floor apartment was out of the question. Instead, we did what any other normal people would do with the crazy idea to go on a blizzard adventure to get a pizza. What was even crazier was that the pizza place across from our apartment was actually open (and delivering!!) while the rest of the capital city was completely shut down with a driving band and all. It’s like they knew we were coming.
The journey to get said pizza wasn’t an easy one. The snow was coming down very hard with near whiteout conditions. The bulldozer sized snow plows were rolling down the streets in attempts to keep up with storm, but ultimately, Blizzard Nemo won. Crossing the street to get to the pizza place was basically a 50/50 chance of survival. There was a 50% chance of making it across and a 50% chance of getting smashed by a plow since it was impossible to look both ways before crossing the road. Luckily, we managed to survive and document it all. Press play!
I’ll never forget the feeling of stepping outside that next morning to see what Nemo had left us. There was snow everywhere. We had to climb a wall of snow just to exit or apartment, and that was just the beginning. We braved the strong lingering winds and chills that were probably in the single digits to walk around downtown and capture it all. I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.
Yes, there’s a car under there!
Connecticut capitol at Bushnell Park.
The back door of our apartment building a few hours into the storm.
All of that lead to being snowed in 4 days after the storm. Luckily since I lived downtown I never had to shovel once the entire winter. It was fun and something I’m glad I got to see, but I think I’ve gotten my fix!
Caitlin Elizabeth says
I love all these photos! I was living in Worcester, MA during Nemo – we got dumped on, the most snow in the entire country that year! I'm in Boston now and wondering how much snow we'll get from Juno, it's been coming down for hours!
Musings of a Wanderer says
Holy, snow! Living in Florida we definitely do not see that but Im going to Baltimore in a few weeks so maybe Ill see snow then (but hopefully not that much! ) At least you got your pizza!
The Life You Love says
Wow that is so beautiful. I'm in NC, so not much snow here…
Lauren @ Lot Forty Eight says
I think snow days would be so fun. I would just cuddle my husband. But the snow isn't that bad in Utah
Jess says
I've only seen snow ONCE and that's all I cared for. I'm not a winter person by far!
Emily says
Wow look at all that snow! It's pretty though!
Kati Rose says
I always love reading about first blizzard experiences because I've had them since I was born so to me it makes me look at them differently from how I normally do. I also am reminded that even in the craziest times there is always beauty, lovely photos of the snow.