OK, Now What...

Monday, January 10th, 20011

What an awesome event this 2nd week of January 2k11 has been. After 4 days, many are declaring they're sick of all of the snow and ice; tired of the cabin fever. I am not one of them. Thanks to the event and the generosity of the business I work for, I've worked 7 consecutive days. Luckily this is my Friday/Saturday/Sunday off. Friday I plan to do nothing but sleep. I consider myself lucky to have seen and participated in this rare snow event here in upstate SC. Glad I'm not in Brazil or Australia where flooding has killed hundreds in each country.

Watch for the upcoming news stories as a result of the winter wonderfulness.

* Deteriorating road conditions - yep, pot holes, possible sink holes, cracked and broken pavement as a result of the freezing and re-freezing water on our already bad roadways. We'll be informed of how stretched the road budget already is in SC and with the looming billion dollar shortfall in July.

* Probably hear some dollar costs in regards to communities and local municipalities and how they will struggle to pay for extra costs incurred during the storm.

* Blood shortages. Everybody knows that snowfall or other inclimate weather depletes blood bank donations so these non profit organizations can profit selling the free blood to hospitals to save lives.

* The effect the weather had on personal vehicles as far as damage/ wear and tear.

* Already large winter power and heating bills will be even higher due to the snow. I personally believe Duke Energy and other local power companies dodged a MAJOR bullet this week. They know it too.

* Missed school days - the state already is reviewing pending legislation that would reduce the school year beginning next year by 5 or 10 days to save millions on the state education budget. These missed days may play a role if we have other storms that delay or cancel further school days.

* How many storms might lie ahead. Will any possible future snow events be as severe as this one?

Just a guess as to the predictability of what we'll be beat over the head with, along the other wacky stuff. Well, you guys have a great day and weekend. Lord willing, I'l see you soon.