The Blizzard of ‘26- Janyce’s story

It’s my first winter in Rhode Island. I lived in France, near a ski station. I know the snow. I grew up with snow and that doesn’t scare me. On the contrary, I have always loved winter. When I came here, near the ocean, I couldn’t imagine so much snow! I knew the temperature here was cooler compared to my country but the sensation isn’t the same (wet and dry don’t give the same sensation). Even if temperatures drop lower here, it doesn't feel as uncomfortable.

So, Sunday arrived, and I'm celebrating my birthday with some friends. And then ... our phones suddenly start making some noises, an alert loud enough to wake up every squirrel in the neighborhood! "Warning: Blizzard Approaching." What to do? I've never experienced anything like this! I need to quickly run to get some food at the grocery store. After, I relax on my couch and wait for the snow.

I was so surprised in the morning when so much snow arrived but the landscape was so amazing! I wanted to jump into the snow but, unfortunately, I’m not a kid and I don’t have good clothes for that! But, it was my birthday! I have always had snow for my birthday, like a tradition. And the tradition continued even here (I think the snow followed me!). I’m glad to have seen a beautiful blizzard like that, especially for my first winter. I’m lucky because my neighbor and my husband helped me clear the snow in our way, and we didn’t have any power outages. I only experienced the good sides of the storm. I just watched my husband clean snow from my window, nice and warm.

I was also surprised by the huge quantity of salt which was used on the road. In my region, the source of water, mountains and nature are so important, so we take care of the planet and the water that we drink (also to take care of the wild animals, who can poison themselves with salt). For that, we don’t use a lot of salt on the road. French people have almost no 4x4s but but buy good tires (snow tires) and if you don’t have good tires, the policeman gives you a fine. I knew how to drive in the snow (Okay, though not with as much snow as the size of the car!) I remember, once, one friend lived on the top of the mountains, and we couldn't go there by car because the road was too slippery. Without hesitation, we climbed the mountain in reverse and had no problems.

And to finish with a little joke my husband often tells me, I think the ocean is salty because it’s all the salt on the road in the USA.

In summary, the blizzard 2026 was very fun and beautiful. I’m ready for the next one 🙂.

~~

Janyce - France

The Blizzard of '26 - Anush's Story

The winter in Cranston this year(2026) was harsh.

This was a major test for us. We had to stay home for two days because a lot of snow fell. The windows were packed with snow. Not even the streets were visible. On days like these it seems as though nature has fallen into a deep sleep. All night the wind howls as if you are in a forest.

My husband and son-in-law cleared the road for more than three hours so that we could get out. My grandson was the most delighted by the snow - he played snowballs, went sledding, and walked happily into a warm house.

To tell the truth, I don't like winter, especially a frosty and windy winter. What depresses me most in the winter is the greyness outside the window. True, there are sunny days, but they are few. I hate freezing wind burning my face as if it knows you hate it. In winter you dress like a cabbage and walk like a penguin.

The only thought that brings me joy is that all of this is temporary.

Though it was a freezing cold time, this severe winter had a unique, majestic charm that makes you appreciate the comfort of home.

~~

Anush Farian - Armenia

The Blizzard of '26 - Priya's Story

On the morning of the blizzard I woke up in the chill. I didn't expect a power outage, it completely shocked me. Because I have been living in Rhode Island for the last 10 years I haven't seen a blizzard or a power outage before. So I didn’t plan ahead. It surprised me that I had three challenges:

Food
Heat
Boredom!

I had a guest at home who came from North Carolina. I served fruits and nuts for breakfast and I had thermals at home that helped keep my body warm.

Entertaining the kids was a big chellange for me. They played a word game that means if they draw the picture we would find the word by seeing the picture. We played the game until 1:30 pm. By that time the wind was heavy. My windows were covered with snow. I couldn't see anything from inside and we heard a heavy wind blowing. The sound was a little scary.

That day the kids learned the value of food. They literally wanted hot food. My husband tried to go outside. It was impossible to walk so we skipped the idea of going out. We waited for the wind to die down. The kids played in the snow and cleared the snow from the car. It was a big task to dig out the snow. The daytime was better because we had natural light.

Another big challenge was it was tough when it got darker. I had so many experiences without power in my country, but for the kids it was their first time. Fortunately, I had candles and lighters. We survived and got our power back. That was a big relief.

Finally, my day started with frustration and ended with relaxation. It was an experience for me to prepare for future storms.

~~~

Priya - India