Wonderful Waterloo Archive

This site is maintained by Sam Nabi as a record of the vibrant Wonderful Waterloo community, which was taken offline in 2014. This site is a partial archive, containing some posts from 2009-2013. To read more about the recovery effort and access the data in a machine-readable format, check out the GitHub page.

The Weather

Post #13545 Unknown date Unknown Author	Waterloo Region's Weather Environment Canada: Public Warnings \| Special Weather Statement UW Weather Station
Post #13546 08-31-2010 12:48 AM Unknown Author Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 4796 posts	Humidex and Smog Advisories August 30, 2010 \| http://www.region.waterloo.on.ca/web...4?OpenDocument Environment Canada warns that Waterloo Region is currently under a humidex advisory. High temperatures and humidex values are expected today through the middle of the week. Environment Canada’s models are currently showing maximum daytime temperatures above 30 degrees C, with Humidex values close to 40. Surrounding areas are currently under an Ontario Ministry of the Environment smog advisory and it is likely that Waterloo Region will also experience poor air over the next few days. Public Health would like to remind residents that while it is important to be active and enjoy the outdoors during the summer months, humidex and smog events may cause potential serious health effects which should be avoided. Protect your health during smog alerts and summer heat. High smog and heat levels can be dangerous. Certain groups and/or individuals may be at greater risk from exposure to extreme heat, humidity and smog. These include: Adults over 65 years of age Infants and young children People with chronic heart or lung disease and/or conditions like asthma or angina People with chronic physical or mental disabilities People taking certain medications (consult your doctor or pharmacist) People who exercise vigorously outdoors Outside workers Pets Things to Do: Reschedule sports practices, jogging times, etc. if possible, to another time when the smog or heat alert is over. Or you could be active indoors in an air conditioned area. If you're going to be active outdoors: drink plenty of fluids (e.g. water) before, during and after activity (during activity, drink fluids every 15 - 20 minutes) wear loose-fitting clothes & a wide brimmed hat use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher take lots of rest breaks in the shade or an air conditioned area exercise or play sports in shaded areas if jogging or cycling, avoid busy streets, especially during rush hour reduce activity level if you begin to cough, wheeze, feel chest tightness and/or have trouble breathing try not to spend long periods of time outdoors between 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Post #13555 08-31-2010 11:03 AM Unknown Author Youth Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 839 posts Visit my Youth Blog: wonderfulwaterloo.com/youth & email me at: youth@wonderfulwaterloo.com	This is going to get worse and worse every year... I've had mega allergies this year plus whenever I go outside with temps. in the high 20's and 30's with sunshine I always get headaches. I always drink lots of water but doesn't help.
Post #13605 08-31-2010 05:56 PM Unknown Author City Member Joined Mar 2010 630 posts	For me the year has been surprisingly good when it comes to allergies. The past two weeks have been deadly, though.
Post #18159 11-05-2010 11:08 AM Unknown Author Youth Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 839 posts Visit my Youth Blog: wonderfulwaterloo.com/youth & email me at: youth@wonderfulwaterloo.com	Well, winter is coming! Got the first snowfall of the season that sticked to the ground.
Post #22610 01-12-2011 07:56 PM Unknown Author Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 4796 posts	City Declares Snow Event Effective 11:59 p.m. January 12, 2011 January 12, 2011 \| Link KITCHENER - Based on credible weather forecast information, the City of Kitchener has now declared an official snow event. Residents have until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12 to remove their parked cars from city streets or risk receiving an $80 ticket and being towed at the owner's expense. The parking ban will remain in affect for 24 hours - until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13. Notification will be given in advance of that time as to whether or not the city will cancel the snow event or extend it for another 24 hours. That decision will be made based on weather conditions and credible forecasts. Tag-and-Tow Bylaw To help city crews clear all streets of snow within 24 hours of the storm ending, under the city's "tag-and-tow" bylaw residents are prohibited from parking their cars on city streets at any time when a snow event has been declared by the city. Snow events are declared when the city anticipates a significant amount of snow to accumulate. Residents should tune into local media for updates, or visit http://kitchener.ca/en/insidecityhall/Tag_tow_bylaw.asp to join the city's snow event email distribution list. Members of that email distribution list will receive a direct email when the city declares future snow events and when snow events are extended or declared over. Residents who suspect their car has been towed should call 519-741-2330 to find out where their car has been relocated. Enforcement of the Tag-and-Tow Bylaw During snow events, City of Kitchener bylaw enforcement staff will be asked to attend locations where parked vehicles are impeding snow-removal equipment from clearing the street. Enforcement staff will assess the situation and may ticket and tow some of the vehicles on the street to help the plows remove snow from that street. Vehicles will not be ticketed and towed based on calls from the public. Enforcement will only tow the number of vehicles necessary to allow the snow-removal equipment to do its job. It is possible that only a certain number of vehicles on a street will be removed, regardless of how many are actually present and in violation of the bylaw. In the event that some, but not all, vehicles are towed away, the remaining vehicles found in violation will be ticketed.
Post #22964 01-17-2011 08:33 PM Unknown Author Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 4796 posts	Do I ever hate winter. It's bad enough having to deal with minus 15 windchill, but then you get people who haven't shovelled their sidewalk and it looks like this: King Street Just South of Andy's Apartments - January 17, 2011
Post #22965 01-17-2011 09:23 PM Unknown Author City Member Panama/France/Canada Joined Mar 2010 818 posts	Originally Posted by UrbanWaterloo Do I ever hate winter. It's bad enough having to deal with minus 15 windchill, but then you get people who haven't shovelled their sidewalk ....... In that case, I won't tell you that it was 33 degrees celsius and sunny here today (as usual).
Post #22970 01-17-2011 09:40 PM Unknown Author Transportation Moderator H2OWC Joined Mar 2010 1384 posts	Originally Posted by panamaniac In that case, I won't tell you that it was 33 degrees celsius and sunny here today (as usual). What's brutal is getting on a plane at Pearson when it's -30°C outside then getting off that plane a few hours later in the Caribbean when it's +30°C. What's even more brutal is the return flight when the - and + are reversed
Post #23750 01-25-2011 09:36 PM Unknown Author Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 4796 posts	Was it ever brutal outside yesterday, hitting Here's how the blowing snow & grey sky looked walking around the R+T Park. Winter Weather - January 24, 2011 Originally Posted by panamaniac If you really hate Canadian winters, I have a pool house in Mexico I'm not using. You could stay there during February. Aww thanks panamaniac, Canadians really are the nicest people!
Post #23753 01-25-2011 09:56 PM Unknown Author Town Member Joined Dec 2009 386 posts	Originally Posted by UrbanWaterloo Was it ever brutal outside yesterday, hitting -30 with the windchill. Yes, it was a day for wearing the balaclava on the bike.
Post #24217 01-31-2011 07:46 AM Unknown Author Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 4796 posts	Environment Canada Special Weather Statement: Ontario Region January 31, 2011 5:24 AM EST \| Link Issued For City of Toronto Windsor - Essex - Chatham-Kent Sarnia - Lambton Elgin London - Middlesex Simcoe - Delhi - Norfolk Dunnville - Caledonia - Haldimand Oxford - Brant Niagara City of Hamilton Halton - Peel York - Durham Huron - Perth Waterloo - Wellington Dufferin - Innisfil Barrie - Orillia - Midland Belleville - Quinte - Northumberland Kingston - Prince Edward Peterborough - Kawartha Lakes Stirling - Tweed - South Frontenac Brockville - Leeds and Grenville. Threat for Major snowstorm Tuesday night and Wednesday A low pressure system is forecast to develop over Texas today and then track northeastward to pass just south of the lower lakes as a major winter storm Wednesday. Meanwhile periods of light snow are expected to develop over many regions Monday night or Tuesday. A lake effect snow band could also affect areas near the west end of Lake Ontario Tuesday morning. The heavy snow associated with the major storm will overspread the region Tuesday night then taper off Wednesday afternoon. Potential widespread snowfall amounts will be in the order of 20 to 30 cm with local higher accumulations as well as blowing and drifting snow. Listen for further statements. Additional information may also be found by consulting the latest public forecast. The next public forecast will be issued by 11 AM.
Post #24291 01-31-2011 02:55 PM Unknown Author Youth Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 839 posts Visit my Youth Blog: wonderfulwaterloo.com/youth & email me at: youth@wonderfulwaterloo.com	All of the areas listed above (including Waterloo Region) are now under a Winter Storm Watch: From: http://www.theweathernetwork.com/ale...nings_citypage Summary ..Major winter snowstorm Tuesday night and Wednesday.. This is an alert to the potential development of dangerous winter weather conditions in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements. Details A major winter storm is developing over Texas and will track towards Southern Ontario Tuesday. The low is expected to track just south of the lower lakes Wednesday. Light snow will begin in advance of this system tonight and Tuesday. However the heavier snow is forecast to begin Tuesday night and continue Wednesday morning. Potential widespread snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm are likely before the snow tapers off Wednesday afternoon. In addition strong and gusty east winds will develop with the snow. This will cause local whiteout conditions in blowing snow. The east winds will also generate local snow squalls off Lake Ontario in advance of the main snow area which will give enhanced snow amounts to regions near the west end of Lake Ontario. This will be the first Major winter storm of the season for the Toronto area, and the most significant storm of the season for many regions outside the traditional snow belts. The heavy snowfall and blowing snow will cause whiteout conditions making for extremely hazardous driving conditions. The public should be prepared to change plans accordingly to avoid travel during the storm. This storm has the potential to create near-paralyzing conditions. Environment Canada continues to monitor this dangerous winter storm and will issue further watches and warnings as necessary.
Post #24308 01-31-2011 03:59 PM Unknown Author Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 394 posts	Kitchener - Cambridge - Region of Waterloo 3:22 PM EST Monday 31 January 2011 Winter storm watch for Kitchener - Cambridge - Region of Waterloo continued ..Major winter snowstorm Tuesday night and Wednesday.. This is an alert to the potential development of dangerous winter weather conditions in these regions. Monitor weather conditions..Listen for updated statements. A major winter storm is developing over Texas and will track towards Southern Ontario Tuesday. The low is expected to track just south of the lower lakes Wednesday. Light snow will begin in advance of this system tonight and Tuesday. However the heavier snow is forecast to begin Tuesday night and continue Wednesday morning. Potential widespread snowfall amounts of 20 to 30 cm are likely before the snow tapers off Wednesday afternoon. In addition strong and gusty east winds will develop with the snow. This will cause local whiteout conditions in blowing snow. The east winds will also generate local snow squalls off Lake Ontario in advance of the main snow area which will give enhanced snow amounts to regions near the west end of Lake Ontario. There is even a risk of the snow changing to freezing rain Tuesday overnight for regions near Lake Erie. This will be the first Major winter storm of the season for the Toronto area, and the most significant storm of the season for many regions outside the traditional snow belts. The heavy snowfall and blowing snow will cause whiteout conditions making for extremely hazardous driving conditions. The public should be prepared to change plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm. Environment Canada continues to monitor this dangerous winter storm and will issue further watches and warnings as necessary. This is going to be a whopper folks!
Post #24312 01-31-2011 04:14 PM Unknown Author City Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 951 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	Thanks for the maps. Did you draw those lines on in MS Paint?
Post #24313 01-31-2011 04:22 PM Unknown Author Transportation Moderator H2OWC Joined Mar 2010 1384 posts	Originally Posted by Section ThirtyOne This is going to be a whopper folks! For someone, no doubt. But who, exactly is still an open question. It doesn't take much movement of the 35-45 cm blob to make it us or someone else. I subscribe to the aphorism, that "the trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it." P.S. I do like how the maps switch between cm and in at the CA/US border.
Post #24314 01-31-2011 04:22 PM Unknown Author Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 394 posts	Originally Posted by Urbanomicon Thanks for the maps. Did you draw those lines on in MS Paint? Negative, I can't take the credit here... these maps were snagged from the one of the Accuweather Canada bloggers. More information just like it can be found on Accuweather Canada's main page here: http://www.accuweather.com/canada-index.asp
Post #24322 01-31-2011 05:08 PM Unknown Author Youth Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 839 posts Visit my Youth Blog: wonderfulwaterloo.com/youth & email me at: youth@wonderfulwaterloo.com	Ah yes, I saw those maps this afternoon as well... I think AccuWeather is WAY more accurate than the Weather Network.
Post #24350 01-31-2011 10:06 PM Unknown Author Food & Retail Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Feb 2010 394 posts	Originally Posted by Waterlooer Ah yes, I saw those maps this afternoon as well... I think AccuWeather is WAY more accurate than the Weather Network. They base their forecasts on a generally more accurate model, the GFS where as Environment Canada and The Weather Network use the Canadian model. That and the blogger I linked to (Brett) is very good at interpreting the output of the various models and coming to his own conclusions. Those "weather guys" you see on TV (with a few exceptions) generally read from the EC forecasts almost verbatim.
Post #24429 02-01-2011 11:38 AM Unknown Author Youth Moderator Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 839 posts Visit my Youth Blog: wonderfulwaterloo.com/youth & email me at: youth@wonderfulwaterloo.com	We are now under a Winter Storm Warning. I was also looking at the radar and I see a lot of snow on its way! (I recommend using this weather radar: http://www.weather.com/weather/map/interactive/.
Post #24448 02-01-2011 12:32 PM Urbanomicon Senior Moderator Kitchener, Ontario Joined Feb 2010 1020 posts "Only the insane have the strength enough to prosper. Only those that prosper may truly judge what is sane."	I use: http://radar.weather.gov/ridge/Conus/full_loop.php It uses the much higher resolution U.S. Nexrad doppler radar system. Thanks to Buffalo and Detroit however, Southern Ontario is covered. You can also the National Weather Services' site for their Buffalo (or Detroit) Radar. Doppler data can be viewed here as well, among other things. http://radar.weather.gov/radar.php?r...101111&loop=no
Post #24452 02-01-2011 12:50 PM UrbanWaterloo Senior Moderator Kitchener-Waterloo Joined Dec 2009 3581 posts Groundhog Day Meet-Up \| February 2nd 7-9PM @ KW Art Gallery	Snow Event to start at 11:59 PM on Feb. 1 City of Kitchener \| February 1, 2011 \| Link Based on credible weather forecast information, the City of Kitchener has now declared an official snow event. Residents have until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 to remove their parked cars from city streets or risk receiving an $80 ticket and being towed at the owner's expense. The parking ban will remain in affect for 24 hours - until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011. Notification will be given in advance of that time as to whether or not the city will cancel the snow event or extend it for another 24 hours. That decision will be made based on weather conditions and credible forecasts. Tag-and-Tow Bylaw To help city crews clear all streets of snow within 24 hours of the storm ending, under the city's "tag-and-tow" bylaw residents are prohibited from parking their cars on city streets at any time when a snow event has been declared by the city. Snow events are declared when the city anticipates a significant amount of snow to accumulate. Residents should tune into local media for updates, or visit www.kitchener.ca to join the city's snow event email distribution list. Members of that email distribution list will receive a direct email when the city declares future snow events and when snow events are extended or declared over. Residents who suspect their car has been towed should call 519-741-2330 to find out where their car has been relocated. Enforcement of the Tag-and-Tow Bylaw During snow events, City of Kitchener bylaw enforcement staff will be asked to attend locations where parked vehicles are impeding snow-removal equipment from clearing the street. Enforcement staff will assess the situation and may ticket and tow some of the vehicles on the street to help the plows remove snow from that street. Vehicles will not be ticketed and towed based on calls from the public. Enforcement will only tow the number of vehicles necessary to allow the snow-removal equipment to do its job. It is possible that only a certain number of vehicles on a street will be removed, regardless of how many are actually present and in violation of the bylaw. In the event that some, but not all, vehicles are towed away, the remaining vehicles found in violation will be ticketed. Vehicles will be ticketed and relocated to another area in close proximity when it is possible and practical to do so. Vehicles will be towed at the owners' expense.
Post #24457 02-01-2011 01:13 PM HillDweller Hamlet Member Joined Dec 2010 8 posts	http://www.intellicast.com/National/...D&animate=true You can zero in to the local area.
Post #24472 02-01-2011 02:20 PM Waterlooer City Member Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 502 posts Home Sweet Region...Waterloo	People in Oklahoma got blasted with snow last night, here is a pic of the storm someone sent in from Oklahoma: (from: http://vortex.accuweather.com/adc200...laremoreok.jpg)
Post #24473 02-01-2011 03:04 PM IEFBR14 Transportation Moderator H2OWC Joined Mar 2010 973 posts	Originally Posted by Waterlooer People in Oklahoma got blasted with snow last night A 23cm snow fall, as is being reported, is unusual in OK. Neither the general public nor the authorities are prepared for something like that. They probably don't have any snow plows and most vehicle drivers don't know how to drive on snow covered roads even if they did. (A friend who works for the DoT in FL once told be about the havoc that a 1" freak snow fall caused in Tallahassee. It wasn't pretty even if it was hilarious.) But 23cm of snow shouldn't be unusual in southern ON, even Toronto. We get them at least once or twice every year. Yet CBC Radio reports that Toronto authorities are recommending that people stay home tomorrow. Maybe that's because all of our troops are currently busy dealing with sand storms in Afghanistan and can't dig them out What a bunch of wimps (Torontonians, not our troops.)
Post #24493 02-01-2011 04:51 PM KevinL Town Member West-South-West Kitchener Joined May 2010 499 posts My Flickr - My Facebook	Originally Posted by IEFBR14 A 23cm snow fall, as is being reported, is unusual in OK. Neither the general public nor the authorities are prepared for something like that. They probably don't have any snow plows and most vehicle drivers don't know how to drive on snow covered roads even if they did. (A friend who works for the DoT in FL once told be about the havoc that a 1" freak snow fall caused in Tallahassee. It wasn't pretty even if it was hilarious.) No shovels at hand or winter tires on their wheels either. They have an excuse; we don't.
Post #24553 02-02-2011 08:18 AM ViewFromThe42 Village Member Waterloo, ON Joined Dec 2010 63 posts Eventually, you can't go on not caring. You realize you have a voice.	It seems as though everything is closed today. Except for the University of Waterloo.
Post #24561 02-02-2011 09:27 AM Waterlooer City Member Waterloo, ON Joined Apr 2010 500 posts Home Sweet Region...Waterloo	We got about 1/3 of the snow originally expected. Looking at the radar, that big chunk of heavy snow stayed west of southern ontario and we got hit with the lighter part of the system. Places like Chicago got pounded by snow and wind.
Post #24563 02-02-2011 09:51 AM jerryhung Hamlet Member Joined Nov 2010 10 posts	This is a disappointment... :P I was so excited (and scared) at the same time for 30 cm snow and this morning I woke up to see my deck wood.. no snow on top
Post #24565 02-02-2011 10:10 AM Spokes Senior Moderator Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5333 posts	As expected....over blown.
Post #24566 02-02-2011 10:10 AM GRT Kid Hamlet Member Kitchener, Ontario Joined Jan 2010 25 posts	LMFAO! What happpened to the "big storm" ...... there's like 5cm of snow out there! The Weather Network is really good at scaring the crap out of people ...... next time I WON'T be getting excited
Post #24568 02-02-2011 10:15 AM IEFBR14 Transportation Moderator H2OWC Joined Mar 2010 973 posts	Originally Posted by GRT Kid LMFAO! What happpened to the "big storm" You heard it here first
Post #24576 02-02-2011 10:25 AM Spokes Senior Moderator Kitchener Joined Dec 2009 5333 posts	Originally Posted by GRT Kid LMFAO! What happpened to the "big storm" ...... there's like 5cm of snow out there! The Weather Network is really good at scaring the crap out of people ...... next time I WON'T be getting excited They really are good at it though if you think about it And now as we say that 4 feet of snow will fall haha.