01/30/2026
taken from somebody who knows stuff... read to the bottom...
❄️ WINTER WEATHER PSA
from a Wisconsin girl living in North Carolina
I love y’all, but this weekend is not “cute snow”.
It’s ice + inches of snow + negative temps. That’s real winter.
Here’s your Midwest survival guide:
🧊 ICE IS STILL UNDER THAT SNOW
It looks fluffy. It is a lie.
If your tires spin:
Cat litter, sand, dirt, gravel, or small branches
Turn wheels slightly to find grip
Do NOT floor it
🚗 DRIVING
Slow down. No sudden braking.
Triple your following distance.
Bridges and shaded roads freeze first.
If you slide: ease off gas and steer gently where you want to go.
If you don’t have to go out, don’t.
🚰 PIPES & WATER
Let faucets drip cold water.
Open cabinets under sinks.
Unhook and drain hoses.
Fill bathtub and containers in case of power loss.
🪟 BLOCK DRAFTS
Hang blankets over windows.
Roll towels at bottom of doors.
Close off unused rooms.
Stay in one main heated area.
🔥 POWER OUTAGE PREP
Charge all devices.
Flashlights > candles.
Extra blankets.
Download movies or music.
Turn fridge/freezer colder now so they hold temp.
🥶 NEGATIVE TEMPS = DRESS CORRECTLY
Layers, not vibes:
Base: thermal or moisture-wicking
Middle: fleece, flannel, sweatshirt
Outer: wind-blocking coat
Do NOT go out wet. Wet clothes steal heat fast.
Cover everything:
Hat
Gloves
Scarf or face covering
Ears, neck, nose
Rain boots are a crime. They are not insulated. Cold feet = whole body cold.
Kids lose heat faster than adults. If they’re in sweats and a hoodie, they are underdressed.
🐾 ANIMALS & LIVESTOCK
Dry, draft-free shelter.
Straw or hay over blankets.
Warm water refreshed often.
Wind breaks matter more than cold.
🛒 BEFORE IT HITS
Gas up.
Do laundry.
Make soup or chili.
Pull out extra blankets and socks.
Keep shovel, snacks, water in car.
⚠️ COLD WARNING SIGNS
Uncontrollable shivering
Numb hands or face
Slurred speech
“I’m not even cold anymore”
That last one is dangerous.
Midwest Translation:
This is not “Bojangles snow”.
This is “don’t die for milk” snow.
Sincerely,
A girl raised where winter actually tries to kill you.
