Winter Weather Brings Mixed Feelings

           As the holidays begin to approach, so does the colder weather. With the colder weather comes snow and frost. With the snow and frost comes beautiful yet dangerous scenery. As a photo enthusiast, I myself look forward to the powdery white substance falling from the sky, as it will create a stunning backdrop for portraits. However, as a college student who likes to drive home on the weekends, I dread the retched icy matter making its way to the ground.  How could something so marvelous looking be so harmful?

                Snow is a beautiful back drop for any scene. Think about it; have you ever heard someone say “it looks so dreary and dark outside,” after a fresh snow? Well I haven’t. It makes the outside light up; frosts our mountain tops and covers the boring leafless trees. In Michigan, when it snows, people often say that “it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” This form of precipitation that forms a glowing white blanket on the ground is equated to a holiday known to bring joy and happiness to people. It brings smiles to children’s faces. It can be used as a free toy for kids, as it is malleable, and can be turned into snowmen and forts alike. It’s a reason to bring out other toys, such as snow mobiles and snow boards. There is a whole industry that makes its money from snow fall. I think it is safe to say that snow would be missed by many if it were to disappear forever. 

                For some though, the snow brings more worries. As Michigan residents, we have the nuisance of lake effect snow. Our great lakes, that serve us so well, make it so that every winter our areas get pummeled with the form of frozen precipitation known as snow. This snow can create dangerous conditions to live in. Because we live in the modern age of technology, people are always on the go. Because people are always on the go, our roads are not lightly traveled. In 2014, 20 minutes from where I live, snow caused a 193 car pile-up on I-94. This accident caused 22 injuries and 1 death. With 193 vehicles, these numbers were lucky. The cold weather and snow create icy road conditions that can be dangerous and even deadly. Snow is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents. It is also dangerous to be trapped in the snow without shelter. It can cause frostbite, and even death.

                This one substance brings about both joy and despair. If it were to disappear it would bring about both sadness and relief. Sadness that we would no longer have the beauty and pleasure that comes with it. But relief that the conditions that come with it would then be extinct.