Chicago Newcomer

[Va83]

So... y’all walk through a foot of snow like some type of Yeti? This is definitely something for me to consider.

[nana053]

Originally Posted by Va83

So... y’all walk through a foot of snow like some type of Yeti? This is definitely something for me to consider.

It is very rare for Chicago to have a foot of snow on the ground. Things do not shut down though unless the snow is truly extreme. If the buses can run, then schools are generally open.

You probably missed the thread where someone was missing winter this year because there was no snow.

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by Va83

So... y’all walk through a foot of snow like some type of Yeti? This is definitely something for me to consider.

No, people tend to get out their shovels and snow plows pretty quickly and then go about their day. Chicago and the surrounding burbs will pay pretty close attention to the forecast and clear the streets within hours of snow starting. Unless, as others stated there's about a foot of snow, people will just go on with their day, wear boots, dress a little different, etc. 6 inches of snow typically won't shut anything down unless it's an incredibly fast accumulation that provides little time to respond.

[Va83]

Originally Posted by fusillirob1983

No, people tend to get out their shovels and snow plows pretty quickly and then go about their day. Chicago and the surrounding burbs will pay pretty close attention to the forecast and clear the streets within hours of snow starting. Unless, as others stated there's about a foot of snow, people will just go on with their day, wear boots, dress a little different, etc. 6 inches of snow typically won't shut anything down unless it's an incredibly fast accumulation that provides little time to respond.

Ok that’s good to know. It’ll still be an adjustment for me. In Richmond if the forecast calls for several flakes to stick to the ground everything shutdown and it’s time to visit the nearest grocery store and bunker down.

[Vlajos]

Originally Posted by Va83

Ok that’s good to know. It’ll still be an adjustment for me. In Richmond if the forecast calls for several flakes to stick to the ground everything shutdown and it’s time to visit the nearest grocery store and bunker down.

That definitely doesn't happen here but once a decade or so.

[Vasily]

Originally Posted by Va83

Ok that’s good to know. It’ll still be an adjustment for me. In Richmond if the forecast calls for several flakes to stick to the ground everything shutdown and it’s time to visit the nearest grocery store and bunker down.

You're moving from Richmond VA? It's a totally different climate in Chicago. Think layers and get sufficient winter gear and you'll be comfortable and safe. In the South, big snows are rare so it doesn't make sense to invest a lot of money in snow removal equipment. So when one does come along, people can be shut in for days.

When there was a heavy snow (12" or more) they'd hit all the major streets first, then the secondary streets in Naperville. The Loop was always well cared for even in big snowstorms - main problems I had were with Metra trains: switches freezing etc.

When I lived in Naperville and commuted downtown, I had a parka, sweaters, scarves of various thickness, long underwear, thick and thin socks, boots, various kinds of headgear and a hat liner, various pairs of gloves and glove liners, a facemask, scrapers and lock de-icer and brushes for the car. I also had Yaktrax Pros for icy days (a lifesaver), and hand warmer packets for when it was really bad. When it gets really cold buy a couple of cheap humidifiers - the cold air is very dry.

And yeah, when it's really cold you'll see idiots running around in shorts and short-sleeved shirts. That's a good way to get frostbite.