Chicago Adapts to Icy Weather
Commuters adapt to icy weather on Michigan Avenue.
For many people, due to the holidays, December is a time of love and giving. However, it also can be a time of frustration because of weather conditions. This year, the snow started falling around Thanksgiving and there have already been several severe winter storms throughout the country. Since Thanksgiving, these icy weather conditions have been causing headaches for many people throughout the Chicago area.
Several winter advisories were issued in the Chicago land area in the month of December. As of Dec. 10, Chicago had not seen any heavy snow accumulation. Although the average for that time is more than 2.5 inches, Chicago received less than 1.5 inches and most of it was rain and sleet. The majority of concern so far has been with the ice and sleet that have made road conditions hazardous, leading to hundreds of flight delays which have left holiday travelers stranded for hours at both Midway and O’Hare airports.
“It was horrible, the ice made things bad for everone,” said Dominic Knight, day student at RMC. The conditions were caused by frigid, below-freezing temperatures, combined with a mix of sleet and snow.
History has shown that December tends to be one of Chicago’s coldest and wettest months, but Chicagoans have always been able to adapt. 1982 was Chicago’s wettest December with precipitation accumulation of over 8.5 inches, and, because of El Nino, almost all of it was rain. A year later Chicago experienced its coldest winter ever, when, during the holiday season, temperatures were below zero. Yet, during these times of bad weather, the city has always worked diligently with the salt trucks and snow plows to ensure the safety of its citizens. Sometimes snow can even be a little fun.
“I like getting into snowball fights with friends, “said Adam Severyns, RMC student. This year has yet again brought challenging weather conditions, but the collective efforts of citizens and the city have helped everyone to comfortably adapt to the changes.