Winters in Chicago (Cleveland: school, live in, moving to)

[Alacran]

High schoolers just ditch and stay home like I used to.

[ERS-One]

Originally Posted by Chi-town Native

Here's a new wrinkle, we'll see if it's smoke or if they actually follow through:

Failure to shovel snow from your sidewalk could prove costly - Chicago Sun-Times

The Blackberry part you mean?

[TheSunshineKid]

Chicago winters are bearable depending on your tolerance level of cold and wind. Like others stated buy quality winter wear.

My must have accessories:
snow boots
winter coat (that reaches the knee for women)
mittens that convert to gloves
wool scarf
winter hat (I can never understand how some don't cover their heads - forget preserving your hair-do, go for warmth)
ear muffs (if you don't wear winter hats)
wool sweaters (layering is key)
wool socks
Under Armour

[gobucks86]

Here's a video of a New York City snowstorm. I'm posting it to show you how people generally dress in the strong snow and winds. Notice, people are still out and about and going about their daily lives. Yes this is a NYC video, however Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto and all the other major cities get these types of storms occasionally. I actually like the snow and this video lol.

I think the winter will be a fun change for you.

Video:

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

The only times it really impacts things more than making you roll your eyes at rush hour is if we get more than 6" or so in one storm. That happens maybe 2-4 times a winter. You can usually count on one hand how many times you actually need to shovel or pull out the snowblower.

Say what now? You're saying Chicago only gets accumulating snow 5 or fewer times per season?

Are you kidding me?!?

I'm sure the OP is going to college so she will never have to shovel. But a homeowner had best be prepared to shovel many more than 5 times per winter season.

Unless you're the guy that never shovels his walk...

[emathias]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

...
Unless you're the guy that never shovels his walk...

I've never shoveled a sidewalk in Chicago. But I've been fastidious about paying someone else to do it.

[Swandaddy]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Say what now? You're saying Chicago only gets accumulating snow 5 or fewer times per season?

Are you kidding me?!?

I'm sure the OP is going to college so she will never have to shovel. But a homeowner had best be prepared to shovel many more than 5 times per winter season.

Unless you're the guy that never shovels his walk...

Chicago averages about 40-50 inches/yr. Spread out mostly from Thanksgiving to St. Patrick's day. If you have two 10-inch snowstorms in a winter, the most of the rest of the time it's these little snow an inch or two overnight, three days later it snows 3 inches. And those 3-inch dustings don't really affect much of anything, but throughout a winter they add up on the total seasonal snowfall.

[jahk]

a few things to ponder.

1. You will get caught unprepared and be uncomfortable a few times. This is how you figure out what you need to be comfortable.

2. As long as you're not too far out of line (sandals when there's 3" of snow, or T-shirt and light jacket when it's -20 degrees) you will survive being uncomfortable.

3. You will find pretty early that there is one thing that makes you miserable. Focus most of your energy on that one thing. (For me it's my feet. If my feet are cold and wet, I'm not happy no matter what the rest of me is doing.)

4. Layers are your friend. But make sure, if you're going to be spending time inside, that the bottom layer is something you can be decent wearing in public. Some buildings have heat that is hard to regulate, and they may be uncomfortably warm.

4a. Try not to get over heated. You'll probably feel just as miserable as if you're too cold, and if you perspire and your clothes get a bit damp, you'll freeze when you face the cold.

5. Frostbite of the ears really blows, and it happens faster than you think.

[mellymelg00]

Thank you so much to everyone that replied! I got very helpful tips. It actually doesn't seem bad and I am kinda excited to experience the winters there. Again, thank you!!

[grapico]

Originally Posted by JacksonPanther

Say what now? You're saying Chicago only gets accumulating snow 5 or fewer times per season?

Are you kidding me?!?

I'm sure the OP is going to college so she will never have to shovel. But a homeowner had best be prepared to shovel many more than 5 times per winter season.

Unless you're the guy that never shovels his walk...

Exactly, Chicago gets LOTS of the 2" snowfalls types. Just less of the 1 foot type snows. Those 2" snowfalls if not scraped off can quickly melt a bit during the day then turn into a nasty snow/ice mix making the slip and slide runs on the sidewalks. Maybe it is OK in the suburbs not to shovel when it is like that, but not in the city... Please clean the sidewalk this winter folks, lots of people walk on them. Though last winter was a special case and got slammed with the blizzard.

Originally Posted by Swandaddy

Chicago averages about 40-50 inches/yr. Spread out mostly from Thanksgiving to St. Patrick's day. If you have two 10-inch snowstorms in a winter, the most of the rest of the time it's these little snow an inch or two overnight, three days later it snows 3 inches. And those 3-inch dustings don't really affect much of anything, but throughout a winter they add up on the total seasonal snowfall.

They effect the sidewalks... While he is right you probably don't need the snowblower much to clear out a big snow...Again there are lots of the 2" snowfall days which if not scraped off will make it challenging for pedestrians after it sits around for awhile.

I normally wear boots walking around everywhere then change into dress shoes at the office.