Amarillo College Ranger

Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Shinya Kitamura [Click to enlarge]

This winter has included treacherous ice storms, often freezing temperatures and large accumulations of snow. Bone-chilling wind gusts have left everyone scrambling for their thickest clothing and heavy coats.

For John Gladstein, an instructor in the modern languages department, it has been a tedious winter. His first winter in Amarillo has left him eager to see Valentine's Day and with it, the beginning of spring. He doesn't "like the snow one bit" and especially dislikes driving to work in it.

"It takes me 14 to 15 minutes to get to work in the snow, double the time it normally takes," Gladstein said.

Few people enjoy traveling in the ice and snow. The poor road conditions have interrupted the plans of numerous Amarillo residents and left many more running late for appointments, work and classes. Bad road conditions make driving around town more formidable and dangerous not only faculty and staff but students.

"It made it difficult to get around in," said Sheryl Crawford, a part-time student.

"It's nice once in awhile, but I am tired of it."

Many have grown weary with the frequent snowstorms and the dangerous roads they create. This winter has given us much more snow and ice than normal.

"So far this year, we have received 20.5 inches of snow, exactly eight inches above where we should be for Feb. 6, 2007," said Steve Kersch, a meteorologist for KVII News Channel 7.

With the official season running from July to June, Kersch noted that Amarillo already is well over the average snowfall of 15.6 inches with several months left in the season.

Not only has Amarillo greatly surpassed the average snowfall, but the frigid temperatures and chilly winds have left everyone bundling up from head to toe.

"The average temperature for the period of December through February is 37.8 degrees," said Damon Shaw, a meteorologist for KAMR NBC4. "So far this year, the average has been 34.7 degrees from Dec. 1 to Feb. 6."

Although the 3.1-degree variance may not look like a huge difference, Amarillo citizens definitely have felt it.

Student Sanja Dragojlo summed up the winter weather conditions for many.

"I love the snow and cold weather if I can stay inside where it's nice and warm," Dragojlo said.

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