Today's surprise

[Inspector507]

Today\'s surprise

Last night I was out clearing the drive, even though they predicted another 6" of snow overnight. Had family coming today from out of town and I wanted as little mess for them to get through as I could. Suddenly it turned to freezing rain....
Woke up this morning as usual, perked the coffee, showered and went to wake the wife. She had been in the bed listening to the radio before she got up.
"Honey, you can't go to work, we're under a Level 3 snow emergency, no driving today". "What?? Let me go turn the TV on and see for myself". POOF all lights go out. AT least I have a pot of coffee.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Well she was correct, but according to the radio they downgraded it to Level 2. Have to go to work /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
As I'm dressing, a coworker calls, all non-essential employees stay home. Boy today am I ever glad to be UN-essential.
Once daylight hit, I looked and saw this.......

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

An inch or better of ice everywhere

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Looked out back.......
This limb fell straight down and was still standing. Dead limb from a maple tree.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

A limb from our White Ash tree

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Then I got a good look out front.....
Taken from the garage looking down the driveway

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

42' evergreen.......I have no idea what kind, but it grew in twin trunks from 1 root ball. One half fell across the yard, the other across the dirveway. I couldn't have gone to work if I wanted to.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

From the driveway back towards the house

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Still back towards the house

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Right up out of the ground. One of the tunks had even split.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

2 hours later, chains, saw, tractor...........

At least I can get in and out now.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Just cut most of the limbs off and then cut everything in 4'-5' lengths and started pushing with the little TC18

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Another pile pushed away

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Maybe someone will be able to tell me what type of evergreen this was by looking at the wood

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Here's the next one I'm worried about. It's at least 60' tall. I usually can drive under these limbs with the tractor. Probably 6' off the ground without the ice.
We were supposed to get 6" of snow, but all came in a freezing rain. All night long.

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

At least I was one of the lucky ones with our power. Went out at 5:00 AM and came back on at 10:15 AM. With 200,000 people in our area out, we were lucky.

 

[themichelob]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Inspector507,
I'm still clearing deadfall on my property from the ice storm we had in this area in 1996. We were without power for two weeks--cooked on my wood stove & showered at a truck stop 30 miles away. Several Utility employees died restoring power in our area. People who have never experienced an ice storm don't realize how treacherous it can be. Your pictures brought back some vivid memories. Hope you and your neighbors recover quickly....Regards, Mike

 

[Bird]

Re: Today\'s surprise

Normally, Jerry, that's what we're more likely to get than snow.

 

[Dozernut]

Re: Today\'s surprise

It appears to be Eastern Red Cedar (Aromatic Cedar), the good smelling kind that you line your closet with or make a blanket chest. We got lucky and got only snow, had to push 12" off the drive. Sure was great working in shirt sleeves in 10 degree weather with the cab/heater combo on the RTV. Have a good Holiday!

 

[Inspector507]

Re: Today\'s surprise

After doing some check on the net........I think you're right

 

[sassafraspete]

Re: Today\'s surprise

After seeing your pictures, I think I'll take the 20 inches of snow over 1 inch of ice. I hate ice, except for ice fishing of course.