Still Waiting for That One Good Snow in Western North Carolina

Asheville: So, it happened again. Everyone was buzzing about a big winter storm that was supposed to hit Western North Carolina, but it just didn’t happen. People stocked up on milk and bread, but now they’re left wondering what to do with all that food. Seriously, how many milk sandwiches can one person eat?

Last Friday, Haywood County and nearby areas were supposed to get up to 8 inches of snow. That led to frantic trips to the grocery store, school cancellations, and businesses closing early. Folks even called propane companies to fill their tanks, just in case the storm knocked out power.

But, as usual, it turned out to be a lot of fuss over not much. Sure, we got a couple of inches, but it wasn’t the “one good snow” everyone was hoping for. I mean, it’s like we’re always waiting for that perfect snow, and it just never seems to come.

I’ve got this funny theory that weather forecasters are in cahoots with grocery stores. When sales are low, they call up the local meteorologists and say, “Hey, we need a storm warning to get people buying!” It’s like a secret operation to boost grocery sales.

When they announce a “weather warning,” we all rush to grab bread, milk, and eggs. I get the toilet paper, but why the obsession with those other items? Are people planning to make French toast? I’d rather have beer and chips, especially if there’s a big game on.

Regardless of what we buy, we’re all helping the grocery stores make a little extra cash. Of course, I’m just joking. The folks at Ingles aren’t pulling any strings. Weather prediction is tough, especially in the mountains where a small change in elevation can mean rain instead of snow.

The meteorologists remind us how tricky it is every time a storm is coming, yet we still get our hopes up for that one good snow, especially since it’s been a while since we’ve had one.

It’s kind of funny to watch the weather report the day after a storm that didn’t live up to the hype. It’s like listening to a coach explain what went wrong after a tough game.

Even though this last snow was a letdown, my friend Margaret and I made the best of it. We enjoyed a snowy evening in the hot tub with some whiskey until the snow turned to sleet and started hitting us. Honestly, even sitting in a hot tub while it sleets isn’t too bad.

And hey, it’s only mid-January. There’s still time for that one good snow this winter!

Bill Studenc, who started his journalism career at The Mountaineer in 1983, retired in January 2021 from Western Carolina University. Now, he writes about life in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.