New Orleans saw a record breaking amount of snowfall yesterday, with some areas getting as much as 10 inches. My initial reaction at seeing the various social media posts was, "Get a grip everyone!" Bars, restaurants and shops, essential and non-essential, were closing as early as 9PM on Monday, 8-12 hours before the first flakes were about to drop. Some mentioned the chill and urged people to stay inside at a point when the temperature was still in the low 40's. I was reading this a few minutes before I was headed to the grocery store where my neighborhood's wind chill was a balmy 3 degrees.
But then my man Stanton Moore, as well as a few others, explained, New Orleans never sees this. The last time there was any measurable snowfall in the French Quarter was 1895, I believe. New Orleans residents don't have snow shovels handy, or ice melt, or snow boots. Many don't even have winter clothes. There's little need. I've been in New Orleans a few times in December. It was in the high 50's. When put into perspective, I could understand the shock, the panic, and in many cases, the joy. I imagine a snow covered French Quarter is quite beautiful compared to a black and yellow snow covered Times Square.
This morning, NYC is waking up to a wind chill feels like temperature of 15 below. I won't be playing my drum pad on the porch like Stanton Moore, or standing outside with a big smile on my face like George Porter Jr.. But I love how they are making the best of a once in a lifetime weather event. That's New Orleans for ya.
3 comments:
Just hope that everyone in NO stays safe and warm. Since they don't have shovels and plows that snow is going to stick around for a while
Temperatures in New Orleans should be up near 50 by tomorrow and the 70's by the weekend. There will be puddles!
Most areas in NO had at least 10". I lived in NO for 60 years and the total snow accumulation during my time there was not more than 6". At my son's house in Lafayette, he got 13".
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