Welcome to to the crazy weather that is Buffalo, NY. Just last week we had a lovely day of sunshine and 50-degree weather, but what a difference a few days can make. We’re currently in the midst of a huge winter snowstorm that’s been officially named Winter Storm Knife and christened Snowvember by many others.

It all began Monday, which oddly enough was my 24th birthday. After working a regular shift, I went to dinner to celebrate. That’s when the snow started.

It’s about a 15-minute drive from Cracker Barrel to my house, which is in Buffalo, near Sloan and not far from South Buffalo. The drive home was…. progressively worse. You couldn’t see in front of you, the snow was coming down so hard. Also: lightning. The last time I saw lightning with snow was the October Storm of years ago. Thankfully, we made it safely back to the house – and that’s where we’ve basically been ever since.

The snow didn’t stop. Then it did – but started right back up. My place of employment was announced as closed around 5:15 am Tuesday; I wouldn’t have been able to make it in even if we were open. I tried to make it to Tim Hortons yesterday and found the doors locked and place closed – a true sign of the apocalypse.

Around 9 last night, my work announced closure for today as well. We’re in the midst of travel bans throughout the area, and even if there isn’t a ban, I wouldn’t risk it. Buses are running behind schedule and with modified routes; the one I normally take to downtown is cut off at half its route, so it doesn’t even come by my home. More snow came last night, another few feet, with more expected in the coming days. With no sign of respite in sight, it’s been one hell of an adventure.

We managed to walk to 7-11 earlier to get some extra provisions; the streets were a mess and we saw multiple people stuck trying to move their cars. The snow is piled up out there, and it’s even worse just five minutes away. I’ve seen people nationwide and throughout Canada talking about this storm; totals in some areas have exceeded 70+ inches, six deaths have been reported as a result of the storm, and worst of all: more is on its way.

I’ve thankfully been safe and warm at home, unlike those motorists who were stranded on the 90 or elsewhere. My father was stuck at work overnight and will likely be there a few days, as they can’t even open the door. Here at my house, we’re lucky: we’ve got food, water, movies, etc. and for now, it’s all we can do to stay calm, stay safe and be smart. Buffalo has dealt with snow before, and we’ll dig ourselves out of this one, too — eventually.

Until then, I’ll just be here….. it’s not like I can go anywhere else.