There is no real difference between the threat of a snowstorm and an apocalypse,when you are talking to people living in the South.The panic voices of family members. Lines of the local supermarkets Bo's and Food Lion , reaching to the ends of the aisles. Every storm radio checked for efficiency. Outdoor furniture tied down,check.Ample supply of firewood and batteries in lantern,check. And just in case anything happens, let's go down to the car repair shop and get the vehicles checked out.Be prepared to spend the day in a complete frenzy.Then watch as 1/2 inch of frozen ice falls on the ground.At least the school board was smart, and let us have a week off of school.
See, we're used to three types of weather conditions. Extreme humidity, rain, and hurricanes. It's not unusual to see people at the beach minutes before or even during, a hurricane.A category three storm does't faze many, yet anything that has to do with the words ice, snow, and frigid temperatures will leave everyone in a confused state of mind. So much so, that the local meteorologists warn people about leaving their homes during these times,because there is such an increase in car accidents.Good thing weather conditions like this happen once every three to four years.
Every other day of the year, the weather is much more predictable(at least for those who grew up in the South). One day the weather could be a nice 75 degrees. The next, 102 degrees with humidity that will melt even the thickest skin.Nothing is worse then sitting on leather seats in the summer and having to peel your legs off the seats as you exit the vehicle.
Most days are beautiful and sunny without a cloud in the sky.But as they say "when it rains, it pours." 2015 was the second wettest year in record in Wilmington. It rained for 139 days and a total of 83 inches. Yet the intense rain didn't stop many from continuing their daily routine.Just make sure to carry a poncho,raincoat, or umbrella.
Though our spring season only lasts for about two weeks, and the summer days carry the risk of heatstroke and potential tornadoes, I love the Southern weather. There's no better feeling then being able to wear flip flops into November,walking on the beach after a heavy storm, and getting to sit on the outside deck of restaurants 9 months out the year.It's not always the happiest of Christmas seasons when it's 80 degrees in December, but the Holiday shows in Myrtle Beach can't be beat. It might as well be known as the most unpredictable,predictable, 365 days of the year.
I love this post because it reminds me of my family, they are from South Carolina. And I just find it humorous because that's almost an exact description of them.
ReplyDeleteHaha, growing up in Texas I could really relate to your post. Last year my entire school district was closed because the temperature dropped to 32 degrees and there was less than an inch of rain. Seeing all of this snow at Penn State has sure been fun!
ReplyDeleteRenee, I really enjoyed reading this post! I thought you did a great job of describing the hot and humid weather you're accustomed to. I don't live in the south, but I 100% knew the feeling you were describing when you talked about "walking on the beach after a heavy storm". I've always been enchanted with the idea of 'the south', so I can't wait to see what you write about next week. Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt's so funny that there's such a difference in reactions to snow within the country. We are still cautions in Pennsylvania, and people run to the store as if they wont see bread or milk for a year, but the south seems much more intense. I love how you gave us a glimpse of your childhood in a funny way.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love the south. I have spent almost every summer in South Carolina. I just love everything about it down there; the culture, the people, and the weather. I have a couple friends who live or go to school in the south and its always so funny when they get so freaked out about snow.
ReplyDeleteYour blog made me laugh at least four different times. It's so funny how in the south, when they predict snow it's like the end of the world. Yet, in the north when the temperature in the summer hits like 102, we all act like it's the end of the world. Funny how the distance makes a huge difference!
ReplyDeleteThis post made me realize how much I miss the south. I didn't necessarily live there but I spend most of my summers there. It's always funny to watch the news and see southern people freak out because of snow, ha. Nice comparison to an apocalypse.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing :)