Extreme Weather
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January 24th, 2026 at 6:03:13 AM
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The southern portion of the US is under a storm watch. The Federal government is asking FEMA not to use the word "ice" to describe the storm. They are calling the event a freezing rainstorm.
Please be careful when walking on freezing rain-filled sidewalks over the next few days and be especially cautious when driving on freezing rain-filled patches
Note: Separated from a different topical thread by moderator and this new thread created - gordonm888
Please be careful when walking on freezing rain-filled sidewalks over the next few days and be especially cautious when driving on freezing rain-filled patches
Note: Separated from a different topical thread by moderator and this new thread created - gordonm888
Last edited by: unnamed administrator on Jan 24, 2026
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
January 24th, 2026 at 6:21:15 AM
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It's cold.
Hopefully everyone had the foresight to top off fuel tanks before power outages and condensation.
Hopefully everyone had the foresight to top off fuel tanks before power outages and condensation.
May the cards fall in your favor.
January 24th, 2026 at 7:36:54 AM
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I went to the bank to use the ATM, but I had my old card that expired a few months ago on me instead of the new one that I've used exactly once so far a few months ago. So I got home and cut up the old card into pieces and threw it away. But I was looking for my new card and I can't find it. So I reported my new card lost or stolen at the bank website. I could call a number and order a new card. Or I could wait until I can move my car again after 2 feet of snow fall and go down to the bank and ask about getting a new card. The pdf file from the bank says it's $7.50 for a new card and $5 for a new PIN, and get this, $60 for expedited service to replace the bank card. So it doesn't look like the bank can print one up like a casino can print up a Rewards card on the spot without ridiculous fees.
I found a bank lobby open in another town and it closes very soon. I'll make a run over there and try to cash a check. But I've got to make it $20 less than my original declined ATM withdrawal because the new fees to replace the card will put me below the minimum balance where they charge even more fees.
I went on a bit of a road trip yesterday and my utility called me on the road with an AI voice that said the power could go out from the snow storms and I should be prepared to make other plans.
It was near zero degrees out last night and some of my windows got frozen partially open and I can't shut them more. They're only open a quarter inch instead of an eighth inch, but the wind is blowing that cold air right in here. The building is only rated down to 10 degrees above zero, so the heat is a bit anemic in that regard. So I've got some electric heaters of my own; 2 heater fans and an electric oil filled radiator. I sense a significant increase in my electric bill next time. It's supposed to be below freezing for the next week.
I found a bank lobby open in another town and it closes very soon. I'll make a run over there and try to cash a check. But I've got to make it $20 less than my original declined ATM withdrawal because the new fees to replace the card will put me below the minimum balance where they charge even more fees.
I went on a bit of a road trip yesterday and my utility called me on the road with an AI voice that said the power could go out from the snow storms and I should be prepared to make other plans.
It was near zero degrees out last night and some of my windows got frozen partially open and I can't shut them more. They're only open a quarter inch instead of an eighth inch, but the wind is blowing that cold air right in here. The building is only rated down to 10 degrees above zero, so the heat is a bit anemic in that regard. So I've got some electric heaters of my own; 2 heater fans and an electric oil filled radiator. I sense a significant increase in my electric bill next time. It's supposed to be below freezing for the next week.
Last edited by: ChumpChange on Jan 24, 2026
January 24th, 2026 at 8:29:44 AM
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Relying on electric heaters in a freezing rainstorm is a bold move.
What bank do you use? It doesn't sound very customer-friendly.
It's going to get up to 62 this afternoon, with an overnight low in the mid-40s in Southern Arizona.
Stay safe, everyone,
What bank do you use? It doesn't sound very customer-friendly.
It's going to get up to 62 this afternoon, with an overnight low in the mid-40s in Southern Arizona.
Stay safe, everyone,
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
January 24th, 2026 at 10:05:00 AM
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My bank, Wells Fargo, will replace a card and change the PIN for free. Expedited shipping costs extra but regular mail is free.
January 24th, 2026 at 10:33:56 AM
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My ATM card was compromised in Vegas, and my bank FedEx'd me a new card at no charge, but they made it clear it was a one-time courtesy, and I needed a police report. It was a small community bank on Long Island that was very user-friendly.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
January 24th, 2026 at 12:49:11 PM
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Quote: billryanThe southern portion of the US is under a storm watch. The Federal government is asking FEMA not to use the word "ice" to describe the storm. They are calling the event a freezing rainstorm.
Please be careful when walking on freezing rain-filled sidewalks over the next few days and be especially cautious when driving on freezing rain-filled patches
Note: Separated from a different topical thread by moderator and this new thread created - gordonm888
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There's gonna be lots of ice on the streets. Stumbling onto ice poses a serious hazard that could get you killed.
January 24th, 2026 at 1:31:38 PM
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brrr i am cold
January 24th, 2026 at 1:52:40 PM
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Western PA has ordered no commercial vehicles on interstates after midnight tonight. Other times just no empty trucks, this time none.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
January 24th, 2026 at 2:03:59 PM
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Quote: billryanThe southern portion of the US is under a storm watch. The Federal government is asking FEMA not to use the word "ice" to describe the storm. They are calling the event a freezing rainstorm.
Please be careful when walking on freezing rain-filled sidewalks over the next few days and be especially cautious when driving on freezing rain-filled patches
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Reminds me of an accent from the NYC area, one I believe you might be familiar with, where "black ice" and "black guys" are pronounced the same way, resulting in a few cheap giggles about the dangers of black ice.
I myself got a little bit of that and have to be careful about saying "deuce" in polite company, as well as "headlights," where it sounds like I'm talking about a condition requiring medicated shampoo.
January 24th, 2026 at 5:38:56 PM
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Quote: DieterIt's cold.
Hopefully everyone had the foresight to top off fuel tanks before power outages and condensation.
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It was 84 degrees here today and I spent much of it sitting in the sun on my back patio with my shirt off. It is cooling down though, only 81 tomorrow.
You can't know everything, but you can know anything.
January 24th, 2026 at 11:08:59 PM
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Quote: DRichQuote: DieterIt's cold.
Hopefully everyone had the foresight to top off fuel tanks before power outages and condensation.
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It was 84 degrees here today and I spent much of it sitting in the sun on my back patio with my shirt off. It is cooling down though, only 81 tomorrow.
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Here, it has warmed up to 10°F - warm enough to just wear a sweatshirt, instead of the full arctic bundle.
May the cards fall in your favor.
January 25th, 2026 at 7:20:33 AM
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I wore shorts for my morning bike ride, but it wasn't the wisest of choices. It was sunny and looked much warmer than it turned out to be.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
January 25th, 2026 at 2:56:02 PM
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Snow-maggedon was a complete bust here. It's been 37 degrees and a steady rain; now the rain has stopped. I went to the grocery store - all the white bread was gone; nothing but Dave's 21 grains bread was on the shelves. Apparently even a possible food shortage isn't enough to make the locals eat healthy, multigrain bread, LOL.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
January 25th, 2026 at 3:17:46 PM
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15 degrees now actual temperature. Going to warm up to 7 degrees tomorrow. Last count Indiana University had 16 inches of snow. This was 6:20 pm Eastern
January 25th, 2026 at 3:18:59 PM
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Some northern states were under an exploding tree warning because it's so cold the sap freezes and the tree just explodes into pieces. With Ring cameras around, some of these events are on social media now. In the Nashville area there's a lot of heavy ice bringing down trees onto roadways that are just skating rinks. Traffic is backed up in NYC from car crashes. Looks like freezing rain is overtaking NYC & NJ. I've got 7 degrees outside already and a winter storm warning until tomorrow night.
At least I drove the car around a good bit so the car battery won't die for a week. The tire pressure is getting below 30 psi because of the cold. They warm up to 33 when driving, but one is 3 psi lower than the others and has some kind of slow leak that's already been addressed with a valve stem replacement but that was not enough.
The barometer on my local app says it fell from 30.52" to 29.85" today, and now it's rising and still at 29.85". It's gotten colder and it's 2 degrees out since sunset, humidity is 100%.
One person on Social Media said he got an urgent alert from his utility company to stop using high electricity usage appliances or there will be blackouts. Can't tell if that's because the price of power is going off the charts or they are just short on kilowatts at the substation. The blackouts are piling up in several states. Not sure if it's hit a million yet. Some southern states will be out of power for more than a week from the freezing rain and the extensive damage. Don't expect FEMA anytime soon.
Looks like another winter storm is being set up to dump 1 to 3 feet of snow from DC to New England by Feb. 1st along with arctic cold air.
At least I drove the car around a good bit so the car battery won't die for a week. The tire pressure is getting below 30 psi because of the cold. They warm up to 33 when driving, but one is 3 psi lower than the others and has some kind of slow leak that's already been addressed with a valve stem replacement but that was not enough.
The barometer on my local app says it fell from 30.52" to 29.85" today, and now it's rising and still at 29.85". It's gotten colder and it's 2 degrees out since sunset, humidity is 100%.
One person on Social Media said he got an urgent alert from his utility company to stop using high electricity usage appliances or there will be blackouts. Can't tell if that's because the price of power is going off the charts or they are just short on kilowatts at the substation. The blackouts are piling up in several states. Not sure if it's hit a million yet. Some southern states will be out of power for more than a week from the freezing rain and the extensive damage. Don't expect FEMA anytime soon.
Looks like another winter storm is being set up to dump 1 to 3 feet of snow from DC to New England by Feb. 1st along with arctic cold air.
Last edited by: ChumpChange on Jan 26, 2026
January 25th, 2026 at 3:27:17 PM
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Quote: ChumpChangeSome northern states were under an exploding tree warning because it's so cold the sap freezes and the tree just explodes into pieces. With Ring cameras around, some of these events are on social media now. In the Nashville area there's a lot of heavy ice bringing down trees onto roadways that are just skating rinks. Traffic is backed up in NYC from car crashes. Looks like freezing rain is overtaking NYC & NJ. I've got 7 degrees outside already and a winter storm warning until tomorrow night.
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Good thing we've been producing all that carbon dioxide, or it would be worse.
Like, if we had all stopped breathing, we'd all be dead!
January 25th, 2026 at 4:29:08 PM
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Stay safe and remember, the time to look for your flashlight is BEFORE the power goes out;
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
January 25th, 2026 at 4:48:59 PM
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Quote: billryanStay safe and remember, the time to look for your flashlight is BEFORE the power goes out;
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... and using a light that isn't your phone helps your communication link to the outside world not discharge so fast...
It seems to have mostly stopped piling up around here.
Best of luck!
May the cards fall in your favor.
January 25th, 2026 at 5:26:58 PM
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Apparently, we hit an all-time high today. I think it was 87. Luckily I got my golf in early when it was only in the low 70s. In emergencies like this, it is good to stock up on sunscreen.
The cold northern weather will be moving this way in a day or two. We are supposed to actually get below freezing at night. Low of 30 or so.
The cold northern weather will be moving this way in a day or two. We are supposed to actually get below freezing at night. Low of 30 or so.
January 26th, 2026 at 4:43:00 AM
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Quote: SOOPOO
The cold northern weather will be moving this way in a day or two. We are supposed to actually get below freezing at night. Low of 30 or so.
Be careful on the golf course, watch out for frozen falling lizards.
You can't know everything, but you can know anything.
January 26th, 2026 at 6:53:45 AM
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I guess you're right, but I don't like Dave's. Too much sugar!Quote: gordonm888Snow-maggedon was a complete bust here. It's been 37 degrees and a steady rain; now the rain has stopped. I went to the grocery store - all the white bread was gone; nothing but Dave's 21 grains bread was on the shelves. Apparently even a possible food shortage isn't enough to make the locals eat healthy, multigrain bread, LOL.
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as for not letting your cell battery down, you should set yourself up for charging it in the car
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!” She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
January 26th, 2026 at 7:13:13 AM
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I forgot to turn on the heat when I came home yesterday, and it's a balmy 59 in my kitchen. I've turned on the heat and retreated to the comfort of my bed for a few hours until the temperature is more life-sustaining.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
January 29th, 2026 at 11:06:50 AM
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Sanitized for Your Protection
January 29th, 2026 at 12:15:15 PM
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Quote: rxwine
25° in Tampa Tonight
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
January 29th, 2026 at 12:44:03 PM
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-25 near the border tonight.
January 29th, 2026 at 2:37:30 PM
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Going to be a brisk 40 at the only border that matters tonight.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
January 29th, 2026 at 3:45:17 PM
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February 1st, 2026 at 9:51:03 AM
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Wondering if DRich is collecting any fallen iguanas today. Don’t know if SOOPOO has any in the Villages.
Sanitized for Your Protection
February 1st, 2026 at 3:06:04 PM
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Quote: rxwineWondering if DRich is collecting any fallen iguanas today. Don’t know if SOOPOO has any in the Villages.
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Only got to 36 degrees here overnight.
You can't know everything, but you can know anything.
February 1st, 2026 at 4:44:57 PM
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It got down to 70 last night for me.
Happy days are here again
February 1st, 2026 at 4:55:00 PM
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Quote: DRichQuote: rxwineWondering if DRich is collecting any fallen iguanas today. Don’t know if SOOPOO has any in the Villages.
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Only got to 36 degrees here overnight.
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I think that's about what we got in Montana, too.
May the cards fall in your favor.
February 1st, 2026 at 5:01:44 PM
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Quote: rxwineWondering if DRich is collecting any fallen iguanas today. Don’t know if SOOPOO has any in the Villages.
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Was a low of 22 this morning when I took doggie for morning walk. Was 47 and awash in sunshine mid afternoon. My chicken shit buddies all bailed on noon golf, was 39 but 20 mph winds.
No iguanas seen by me. But certainly see more gators on the shore when the sun is shining and it’s otherwise cold.
I’m expecting $$$$ in damage to shrubbery/flowers/etc…. Will be 4 nights in a row of frost.
February 3rd, 2026 at 10:24:22 AM
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Here is a job I would not have envisioned. These guys go around picking up the frozen iguanas that fall out of trees in Florida.
You can't know everything, but you can know anything.
February 3rd, 2026 at 11:22:28 AM
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Quote: DRichHere is a job I would not have envisioned. These guys go around picking up the frozen iguanas that fall out of trees in Florida.
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I understand that after some time on the smoker, the iguanas turn into pretty good tacos...
May the cards fall in your favor.
February 6th, 2026 at 7:00:31 AM
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Quote:Some of the nearly 5,200 cold-stunned iguanas collected in South Florida were donated to an exotic leathers company and may become luxury accessories.
-Palm Beach Post
Sanitized for Your Protection
February 6th, 2026 at 7:07:48 AM
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My niece had the largest iguana I've seen in a domestic situation. It roamed the house and had a screened-in run. It shared the house with two golden retrievers and a big old cat. My niece came home the night to find the cat bleeding and missing an eye, both dogs bleeding, and the iguana literally ripped into a dozen chunks. They never put all the events of that night in order.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
