Time to Hunker Down

The Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management has issued this report concerning the bad ass storm that is currently underway for much of the eastern United States. The City of Watertown and surrounding areas can expect the following:

Rain turning to all snow after midnight and into Monday morning. Snow fall is expected to be heavy at times (particularly between 2 a.m. Monday through 2 p.m. Monday afternoon). Totals in Jefferson County may reach 18 inches, with higher amounts on the Tug Plateau.

Immediate steps to take: Bring in all outdoor furniture, toys and any light-weight materials; do not leave animals outside for long periods of time; ensure you have enough food, medical and other supplies today; check the batteries in your flashlights. Do NOT use candles if the power goes out; fill the fuel tank in your car, generator and snow blower today.

I do not look forward to shoveling another foot and a half of heavy snow from the sidewalk and driveway on Monday. This is the price we pay for living in Upstate New York. As far as preparations, I think I'm as ready as I can be:

I let the cats outside to play and explore this morning, so they're back inside now for the duration of the storm; I stocked up on groceries and gassed up the car yesterday afternoon; and the utilities are all paid up, so short of a power failure, I'll have lights, heat, and an internet connection. Who could ask for more?