It's 8:45pm here in western MT.

[MontanaMama]

The snow is flying, the wind is howling and the UPS truck just pulled up. These folks work so hard. We expect lows of -21 tomorrow with wind chills below -40. Our roads are a shit show. Letter and parcel carriers don’t stop. If you see them, please thank them.

[CatWoman]

1. damn!!!

that sounds BRUTAL.

Stay safe and warm, MM

[MontanaMama]

2. Right?

Life in the Rockies…but this storm is above and beyond. Thanks for your well wishes! 🥶

[CatWoman]

5. ....

[Deuxcents]

3. You're right. We take people for granted.

I put a card in my mailbox during the holidays.. just a simple one that says thanks.

[MontanaMama]

11. That's wonderful.

Thank YOU for acknowledging these people.

[Maru Kitteh]

4. Cheers! I'm looking at about 16" on the deck so far. Looking for windchill -50.

I'm supposed to go in to town (28mi) for a medical appointment tomorrow.







We'll see.

[MontanaMama]

12. This is something, isn't it?

We’re a hardy bunch here in the north but this will test some folks. I called into school to excuse my kiddo tomorrow. I want him snuggled into bed and safely at home.

On another note…our two local hospitals are sending pediatric patients in respiratory distress up to your medical center! Pediatric beds are full down here. WTH?!?

Be safe tomorrow, my friend, whatever you decide to do. We’re in for a ride. 🥶

[Maru Kitteh]

16. I've had a ton of nurses/aides out due to RSV and covid - no combo cases yet

But covid is for sure spiking again. Lots of kiddos with RSV here in the Flathead. The Children's Center has been PACKED.

So glad I don't do peds. I'm not strong enough for that. Nope.

[LeftInTX]

27. They would have cancelled school in WI with that windchill (I lived near Green Bay)

Maybe up north, it was different.

[Maru Kitteh]

40. I think that gets factored in, even here. Also, our roads departments are understaffed

Just like everyone else - they can't find enough help. There's no way they can keep up with this rate of snowfall.

[MontanaMama]

63. Roads are a complete shit show here.

I haven't seen a plow on my street yet and we've had snow since 11/7!! We may not see one all year long at this point. Anybody who doesn't have at least AWD is really a liability to themselves and others at this point. There are wind gusts full of snow that full on shake my vehicle...I just got back from doing the banking for work and holy cats...its crazy outside.

[sarcasmo]

6. Waiting in Wisconsin. Weather folks are saying Thursday through Saturday.

[MontanaMama]

13. Buckle up

and stay home if you can.

[wnylib]

37. Western NY here. They're saying

Friday through Sunday for us.

[HUAJIAO]

67. I'm near Rochester. It looks like we are in a one-off

storm free zone between Batavia and Syracuse..

Not much bad stuff forecast.. mostly wind.

[wnylib]

70. You are fortunate. 7 counties in western NY are

on winter storm alert as well as southern Ontario. The Niagara peninsula is predicted to get hit pretty hard.

If we don't lose power, I'll be fine. If we do, then I will know how Ukrainians feel this Christmas.

[luvtheGWN]

69. Niagara (Ontario side) here.

Rain tomorrow afternoon through the night and temps 8C, but dropping below zero on Friday so lots of slippery and dangerous ice. Some snow too. Who knows how much? Then the temps rise above 0 next week. Weird weather we're having, folks. Climate change? I think so.

BTW, how come all this cold weather is supposedly coming from Canada? Why not Alaska? Just askin'

[zeusdogmom]

68. I'm waiting in Wisconsin too

Traveling to MN. Staying in my normal spot for this trip. But to be careful I extended my stay thru at least Friday morning. Always bring emergency rations when I travel. Guess I can always break into the Christmas cookies and wine I brought along. Currently at a restaurant waiting for my food

[2naSalit]

7. It always reminds me...

Of why I'm thankful I lived to retire!

My power went out today, snow hasn't started yet but it's below zero and windy. The guys were out there for about half an hour in sweatshirts. I was kind of bundled up when I went out but I came right back in. When the power came back on I went out and thanked them. I didn't want to camp out at my pal's place until it was fixed, he doesn't have internet either.

I'm usually pretty thankful for service workers and I tell them so, I'm also a big tipper.

Stay warm, hope you can just stay home until the storm blows by, it's supposed to be much worse up there. We're kind of on the edge of the air mass and the snow storm somehow. But it's cold and windy, glad I kept all my extreme winter gear.

[MontanaMama]

14. It's been snowing on and off all day

and it was wet heavy snow…I think it was 33 degrees when I got home from work. Really warm. Over the course of the evening the snow has gotten heavier and the wind is letting us know she’s in charge. I’ve got a kiddie pool in my backyard shop filled with straw in case I have to being my chickens inside tomorrow. That ought to be something to witness…they’ll probably enjoy the respite.

Keep,me posted on what happens down your way and keep that extreme weather gear handy…you might need it yet.

[2naSalit]

28. If things get bad...

Last edited Wed Dec 21, 2022, 07:46 AM - Edit history (1)

It's a few blocks down the hill to my buddy's. Even without power he has natural gas cook stove and a big barbecue outdoors and a woodstove in the basement. And spare bedrooms. The 4Runner, with new tires, will make it there even if I go through the field, we really don't have snow on the ground, most of it is in the Dakotas by now.

I'm okay even if things get bad. Always establish options.

[MontanaMama]

33. You've got wind where you are that's NUTS.

We’re good here. I have a generator if we need it. I think this should only last through Friday. It’ll be okay.

[2naSalit]

38. I plan to just...

Stay in the house until Friday. I have food and the internet.

We have winter storm watch into tomorrow but wind chill advisories into Thursday when it's supposed to warm up to the high 20s and high 40s on Friday! Warmer through the weekend.

[MontanaMama]

39. Should make for some big time avalanche risk.

Glad I am not a back country skier! Keep Mikey inside!

[2naSalit]

47. I'm glad I have nowhere to go.

Mikey is out at his other home. I took him back a few weeks ago, it just wasn't safe for him here, again. His other mom keeps him in during the winter anyway, well most of the time and certainly at night, so he's okay.

The wild turkeys have taken to his other mom and he's not into that at all so it helps to keep him indoors more. It's still pretty wild but he is more dialed in to her routine anyway so I am going to have to just get over it and just be okay with just visiting. I was really concerned for his mental health through the moving ordeal but he's figured things out now and I think it will be best if he stays out there now. If something happened to him while he was here it would cause serious brain damage. He's going on nine and I just feel too anxious about his well being when he's here. I have helped his other mom figure out what he needs out there and she's good with it so I have to be too.

I really miss him, though.

[malaise]

51. Stay safe all of you

[2naSalit]

52. Thanks!

There's only one alternative and it's not an option!

This am it's snowing like crazy, windy and -12F! Winter in the Rockies! As long as I have adequate shelter, clothes and food, I'm fine.

[BWdem4life]

8. Better yet

shovel your walk and stairs so they don't kill themselves getting to your porch!

[MontanaMama]

15. Always do!

I’m kinda fussy about having a clear driveway for myself and others. If you don’t clear it right away…you’re screwed until April up here.

[2naSalit]

29. +1

[bamagal62]

9. I gave mine a tip today.

First time I’ve ever done that. I now feel guilty that I didn’t do it during covid.

[Diamond_Dog]

10. Holy cow. Stay safe, MM

I do so appreciate our delivery people. I leave them homemade cookies this time of year. The trash collectors too. It seems like such small compensation for what they do for us.

Who gets to take Maybee out in this terrible weather?

[MontanaMama]

19. Me!

Maybee gets three 20 minute plays a day no matter the weather. We came inside a little while ago both covered in snow and ice. She doesn’t care one bit…she’s a gamer.

I cannot believe you remember her name! Wow.

Thanks for being good to your delivery folks. I’m sure it means the world.

[Diamond_Dog]

32. Oh heck,

I’m a dog person. 🙂

My Sophie is a yellow Lab and bitter cold means nothing to her, either. She will lie down and roll in snow when it’s zero out. She’ll stay out there a lot longer than her owners are willing.

You and your loved ones stay safe and check in here again tomorrow…..

[MontanaMama]

35. Sophie...I love that name.

I have a niece named Sophie. Hugs to your girl from here.

The MT contingent will check in with you all tomorrow.

[Staph]

17. My dad grew up in Cut Bank.

He used to tell stories of forgetting to wear his coat to grade school when the temperature got up to 0. Montanans are hardy folk.

Be safe and stay warm!

[MontanaMama]

21. Cut Bank is extreme to say the least!

Wowza. They’ve got wind and snow that crushes anything we’ve got here in Missoula. The high line of MT gets serious weather.

[Aristus]

18. Stay safe and warm!

[MontanaMama]

22. Fortunate to have a warm home

safe from what’s outside. So many folks don’t, as you know. They’re on my mind tonight.

[Cha]

20. Stay Safe & Warm, MontanaMama!

I'm from Colorado and lived 12 yers at the base of the Adirondacks.. I know what you're saying.

I so appreciate UPS & USPS people everywhere!

[MontanaMama]

24. Well you've certainly seen what Mother Nature

can dish out when she wants to. She’s not playing these days…anywhere.

Thanks for appreciating our delivery folks! Happy holiday Cha!

[Cha]

30. That's a good way to put it!

I used to say it followed me around.

Happy Holidays to you and yours, MontanaMama!

[Mr.Bill]

23. Nonsense.

I've watched five seasons of Yellowstone and apparently it never snows in Montana.

Stay warm, and I agree with you about UPS workers.

[MontanaMama]

25. I cannot watch that show! I can't.

There’s been 5 seasons already? Seriously. Kevin Costner and company are underfoot all the time around here.

[Mr.Bill]

26. Pretty good show, actually.

But I'm sure not really very realistic.

[MontanaMama]

31. The Dutton ranch house in the show

belongs to my next door neighbor’s dad down the Bitterroot Valley in Darby.

[2naSalit]

34. I don't think...

Many self respecting Montanans watch that show. The early reviews included the first cussing in a local paper that I have ever seen around here. And it was a member of the local crew of the show who gleefully read it aloud to a small group of locals!



A good laugh was had by all. One of their local sets is just down the road from here.

[MontanaMama]

36. I get all kinds of mad

when their film trucks clog up the neighborhood. They film down by Rattlesnake Creek here and there…it’s a block from my house. I tried to watch the show once…and 10 minutes into the first episode, Kevin Costner shot a horse and I knew I couldn’t handle it. I’m a softy.

[2naSalit]

45. The most I've seen of it...

Are the ads on the live streams I watch. One friend of mine is acquainted with the production owner and was an early advisor on the project when it was just starting production.

Down here there's a small outfit who built a small town to be used as a set for westerns and such. A few of the folks in the valley are involved with livestock and other things. At least some locals are making something from it.

[LaMouffette]

58. He shot a horse?! Okay, that's it for me, too. The hubs and I haven't watched an episode of it yet,

and now I doubt I ever will. Even though it's "just a movie," I just can't watch scenes with animals being hurt. The images haunt me for a very long time.

Stay safe and warm, MontanaMama! It's a real blizzard down here in the B-root, too. Crazy that it's supposed to be in the 40s next week .

[catchnrelease]

65. I only watched one episode

It didn't inspire me to watch more. But it wasn't because of the horse incident. (and I had horses for years when I was younger) There was a road accident and the horse trailer flipped, horse was supposed to be trapped and severely injured. Costner's character was by himself, so shot the horse to prevent more suffering. I don't know that I could ever do that myself, but I understand why it was done. Altho' I don't know if it was necessary to the story or just for more 'drama'.

[LaMouffette]

75. Well, that makes more sense. I'm still glad I didn't see it, though.

My husband had to shoot a deer to put it out of its misery after it had jumped in front of his truck. My husband is always looking out for deer, so I know it was an unavoidable accident. He could have called the authorities, but that would have meant prolonged suffering for the deer. I don't know how he was able to do it. I know it tore him up inside, but he did what he had to do.

[live love laugh]

41. Bracing for it in Chicago. Stay warm!

[Rhiannon12866]

42. I actually know someone who drives for them for a job. She lives up north and she's female.

And we're also in serious snow country...

[MontanaMama]

53. It's such hard work.

I know most of these folks are well compensated in terms of money but the hours are long and it’s tough on the body.

I actually think you get more snow than I do, Rhiannon! 🥶

[LakeArenal]

43. From central WI to the mountains in Costa Rica.

It was awhile before we didn’t look at steep mountain driveways without thinking, That driveway must be a biotch in the winter.

No blizzard. Yay.

Landslides though… Nay.

[MontanaMama]

54. I keep telling Mr. MontanaMama that

I don’t want to move snow until I’m dead….and we’re still here. I guess every place has its “gifts”. Yeah, landslides…big nay.

[electric_blue68]

44. Stay safe, everyone!

[2naSalit]

46. It's a big one...

https://www.spc.noaa.gov/products/wwa/

[MontanaMama]

55. Jeez. It sure is.

I’m about to head out to wake the chickens up. Looks like it’s 8 degrees and snowing…still.

[2naSalit]

57. 14f here and snowing now

Tie a rope around your waist so you can find your way back!! (Only half joking!)

[Postal Grunt]

48. It's a good day to be retired

I carried mail for 25 years here in Leavenworth, KS, much of the time on foot so I know a little about brushes with frost bite and hypothermia. One of the worst areas was in the North of Leavenworth near the Federal Pen where the streets run North-South. Wind chills could get down to -35F which was more than cold enough for me. The forecasts for Thursday look about as bad as I ever remember so it's going to be a good day to be a retired mailman. Mrs PG and I have food, milk, more flour so I can bake any bread we need, beer, and 100 pf bottled in bond bourbon as a motivation to get back inside after any shoveling needed, Gran Marnier if I want to get fancy.

Many, many thanks to the people who remember the USPS, UPS, and FedEx guys and women who will be delivering this Christmas season. For all the clueless jerks that ever thought I was overpaid, try walking those 13 mile routes that I did come Thursday morning. It will certainly be breath taking.

[MontanaMama]

56. Thank you for your USPS service!

My husband and I own a small business and we hired a former USPS carrier a year ago. He’s a young guy with a wife and new baby. He was having a tough go as a mail carrier…not because of the physical challenges but because of the management at our local post office…it was abusive and toxic. He got tired of filing complaints and grievances. We’re happy to have him.

[lucca18]

49. I actually did thank a UPS person today.

When I told her that I appreciate what she does, she was pleasantly surprised.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🏻

[brer cat]

50. Thanks for this appreciation thread, MM.

Too many of us only think about our delivery services when something is late or lost. They really do an incredible job!

Stay safe!

[calimary]

59. That's a VERY good reminder! Thanks, MontanaMama.

[republianmushroom]

60. Nailed it

[Cassidy]

61. I wish we could postpone deliveries of all our packages.

I would rather receive those things next week or later than make people go out into this awful mess!

[Golfnbrew]

62. Hot chocolate

Hot chocolate & coffee (with the speed and ease of a Keurig) is set up on the porch, along with various sweet and salty snacks, and signs at the mailbox directing them to the porch.
Not as cold as MT, but still extra busy this time of year.
The snacks disappear quickly.

[cilla4progress]

64. You guys are awesome to your deliverers!

Too late for me now with travel plans. Did give a box of candy to local postmistress who helps me with my business mail. Didn't think of UPS and regular mail lady, though! Will do for New Year's.

Also gave a gift certificate from local grocery store to our house-sitter. He is "food insecure." It kills me to think my neighbors here in America in 2022 have to worry about having enough to eat! We compensate him well, too. He is devoted tonour critters. ❤️

We got about 10 inches of snow yesterday here in Washington on the east slopes of the Cascades at 1600 ft. in a narrow little valley leading to the Cascade Crest. On top of about a foot that we've had since early November. Unusually cold and snowy - appreciated!

12 degrees here this morning.

Forecast for Montana daughter when she flies out to see us tomorrow is MINUS 37! You read that right! 😱

[MontanaMama]

72. Oh I knew I read your post correctly at minus 37!

This weather is real and no joke! It’s only -8 here at the moment but the wind is howling. Hug your precious MT daughter…I hope you have a wonderful visit.

❤️ ❄️

[cilla4progress]

74. Thanks, Montana!

Our drive over the mtn. passes looks to be hellish.

I'm opposed to travel at Christmas..alas!

[hippywife]

66. Heck!

If I were expecting them in such weather conditions, I'd have a thermos of cocoa ready and waiting for them.

[MontanaMama]

73. My ups driver was still wearing shorts

when he showed up earlier this evening…it was below zero then and it’s much colder now. Bonkers!

[hippywife]

76. ...

Occasionally, I'll see some husky young fella wearing shorts and shirts with cut off sleeves on really cold days here, and shiver. But we don't even come close to reaching such extreme temps here. I mean, it's going to be teens and single digits the next few days, with wind chills below zero, but still

[sarcasmo]

71. Big warm up next Wednesday 36, Thursday and Friday 44, Sunday 43.

[Prairie_Seagull]

77. Hats off to the USPS. Our tax dollars hard at work under extreme conditions.

These people rock.

-27 last night Mead (a little north of Spokane Wa. Clear right now but fucking cold. I Put feed in the bird feeder and use a glass container as a scoop and my bare fingertips actually felt like they were burning.

Keep warm and use gloves even for short trips outside.

[MontanaMama]

78. -20 air temp here in Missoula at the moment.

The wind is howling so I don’t know what the wind chill is. It’s ridiculous!

[Prairie_Seagull]

79. Hi Montana, good but hellla cold morning to ya.

Yep for those not used to it, these are DANGEROUS temps/windchills. Double check your anti-freeze and hunker the fuck down. I trunly feel for the mail carriers who have to be out in this shit.

This reply contains the curse words Hella, Fuck and Shit. I try not to curse between 2 and 9 am but it's dog damn cold.

[MontanaMama]

80. Let the curses fly.

This is absolutely NUTS. My car started just fine...and I don't have a garage. My kiddo's car did not so he's stuck at home today. We will deal with that when this is over...sometime Saturday.

I too feel for our friends at USPS, Fedex and UPS among others. This is dangerous if you don't have the right clothing and shelter.

The good news is that the sun is shining!

[Prairie_Seagull]

81. Front with more precip heading our way for tomorrow.

Probably be further east next day.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

82. Yikes

It's 19 degrees where I am in the Seattle area. While that's colder than usual I guess we don't have it so bad.

[MontanaMama]

83. That's really cold for Seattle.

My cousin lives in Vancouver, WA and it is 20 degrees there...also quite chilly for that area...not to mention the added humidity.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

84. Still about 40F here. Predicting -5F and gusts to 45mph by morning.

Our wind chill is predicted to be about what your real temp is. Time to find a friendly bear to hibernate with.