I’d like you to think about the past winters throughout your life…
-Do you think you’ve experienced a rough winter?
-Do you think you’ve shoveled a fair amount of snow?
-Have you ever gone outside in the winter and your face was a bit cold?
If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, my next question is: Was it in Buffalo?
If not, well… you may have to rethink those answers.
Buffalo, sitting nicely in Western New York (right next to Lake Erie), is notorious for its winter season, even making national television this past winter! We didn't get a snapchat filter titled “There’s Snow Place Like Buffalo” for nothing! Although we aren't the coldest city in America, beautiful Lake Erie brings us all of the “lake effect” snow and wind to put your thermometer in the negatives and your cars beneath a winter wonderland.
Don't believe me? Let’s take a look at a few Buffalo winters:
“The Blizzard of ’77”
“The October Storm” in 2006
and, finally…
“Snowvember” (aka “Snowmageddon”) in 2014
Even if people wanted to break their commitment to "no shave November" and shave that week, there was no possibility of going to the store for razors during Snowvember. That storm literally brought the national guard in to help remove snow and just to help make sure everyone was safe. Snowvember had shut just about everything down (including classes!).
Now, have you ever stuck your head out of a car window in the middle of winter? How about after water was dumped on your face? Well here on a windy winter day, try the lake effect wind and snow blowing at your face and chances are it'll be a matter of seconds before you can’t feel it. I’m talking on a level of the song by The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face," being written about a Buffalo winter. The scarf transforms into more than just an accessory for your neck, it becomes essential battle gear in the war versus winter. The beanie becomes more than just an additional hairpiece to your average hipster. Isn't it crazy to use objects for their purpose?
However, I’m not trying to talk you out of Buffalo. Absolutely not. All of the extremes aside, we’re actually really proud of our winters. All of the snow and cold seems to bring Buffalonians together in our “City of Good Neighbors," and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else because of that.
Plus, it’s truly not hard to live through!
With Snowvember’s anniversary less than a month away, it’s time to get ready. All of you out-of-staters put away your longboards and tank tops, it’s time to bring out the parkas and knee socks.
Remember to dig up:
-A reliable pair of boots
-A cozy winter jacket
-A warm hat, pair of gloves (or mittens), and a scarf
-Any kinds of warm clothes
-A cuddle buddy
-A space heater
-Your favorite warm drinks from Tim Horton’s
If you see someone in shorts and a hoodie during winter here, chances are they grew up in Buffalo (or Alaska… or Antarctica…). Stay safe and warm this winter, drink lots of hot cocoa, and remember:
There’s Snow Place Like Buffalo.
Also, “layers, layers, layers” can come in handy too.
