Massive storm begins trek across Midwest (biggest many cities have seen in years)

Source: AP

By JIM SALTER

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Midwesterners accustomed to dealing with snow, sleet and ice readied themselves for a monster winter storm that could be the biggest many cities have seen in years.

Despite dire warnings of a potentially deadly storm predicted to affect a third of the country, some people seemed even a little excited Monday at the prospect of dealing with the kind of weather that has pounded the Northeast in one of that region's most brutal winters. Others headed to stores to pick up everything from snow shovels and backup generators to bottled water and bread as the first flakes and freezing rain began to fall on parts of the region.

"I'm looking forward to it. I'm a school teacher, and we'll probably get a snow day - and it'll be the first time in a couple of years," said Katy Berman, 58, of the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines, Ill. "It doesn't faze me as long as I'm home."

As the storm began its trek across the Midwest, it brought a bit of everything: ice, sleet and snow - even tornadoes were possible. School districts, universities and legislatures closed; airlines canceled thousands of flights; and residents rushed to gather supplies, anticipating they might have to dig out or hunker down.


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20110201/D9L3UU5O2.html

other cities in the midwest.

last night. packed, packed, packed.

eta- i am in chicago

ransacked by crazy people.

We wanted to avoid the last minute onslaught so we did our shopping Sunday morning. Lots of others seemed to have the same idea. We live not far from Kansas City and are expecting to get up to 14 inches of snow along with winds up to 45 mph. I spent all day Saturday and Sunday washing extra blankets and warm clothes, just in case we lose power.

About ten years ago we had a monster ice storm and were without power for four days - the temperature inside the house dipped to 50. It was miserable, so I always take all the precautions...hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

we had friends who didn't have power for 10 days.

i've got three hot water bottles (aka my dogs) sitting around me, and my husband is safe at work (he manages a kennel/boarding facility). oh, and i have a bottle of wine and some beer, so i'm set!! :)

if it gets worse than 68 i`ll be impressed. stay warm!

oh yes, we are back to full house with a little one on the way.

so glad i have yet to be blessed with grandkids. hope they hold out till after college.
i have all 5 in college in september. :scared:

daley is lucky he has already decided to retire. especially with the election right around the corner.