By Ron St. Pierre, WPRO
Storm Brewing For New Generation
35 years ago this week, the state came to a standstill after the Blizzard of ’78 dumped 27” of snow on Providence and as much as four feet in the northern most cities and towns. Forecasters are predicting sizable potential for snow accumulation attached to the storm expected to hit us Friday afternoon into Saturday. Maybe this one won’t pack as powerful a punch as the Blizzard of ’78, but if meteorologists are right on this one, a whole new generation of blizzard stories could soon be hatching. Forecasters are using terms like “historic winter storm and “blizzard watch” as this baby draws near.
A blizzard is defined as a violent snowstorm with winds blowing at a minimum speed of 35 miles per hour and visibility of less than one quarter mile for three hours. Winds are expected to gust out of the northeast at 35 to 55 miles per hour with this storm.
Words of Wisdom
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency has issued a list of recommendations to help you prepare for the storm. Most are the usual fare of common sense tips…but there’s one on the list that left me a tad confused:
“Make sure you can heat at least one room in your home even if the power or furnace is not available.”
And I do this HOW? I guess if I have a fireplace or wood burning or pellet stove, I’m good to go….but otherwise?
What’s In A Name
The Weather Channel is naming noteworthy winter storms now. They say the goal is to better communicate the threat and the timing of the significant impacts that accompany these events. The Weather Channel claims a storm with a name takes on a personality of its own, which adds to awareness.
Whatever……
This storm has been named NEMO after a Greek boy’s name meaning “from the valley.” Nemo also means “nobody” in Latin. I hear the name Nemo and I think of Disney’s “Finding Nemo.” Nemo was an adventurous fish who never gives up. You telling me THAT name gives this storm a sense of power and urgency?
Want a good Disney character name that sounds as though it means business? How about CRUELLA…MALEFICENT or SCAR. Now THOSE characters mean business. They’d make me hide in the basement.
Shakey Wakey
The MLB network is giving former Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefied his own reality show called “The Next Knuckler.” Wakey will be teaching five former NCAA Division One quarterbacks, including Doug Flutie, his famous pitch with the winner of the competition getting an invitation to spring training with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 50 year old Flutie will be joined by Josh Booty (39), Ryan Perrilous (26) David Greene (30) and Booty’s kid brother John David Booty (28). Wakefield will be joined by former teammate Kevin Millar to host the show and judge each athlete’s ability. One contestant is eliminated each week based on performance. The winner gets a shot at pitching in a spring training game. “The Next Knuckler” debuts February 13.
A knuckleball has nothing to do with your knuckles and everything to do with your fingertips:
