By: Anastasia Benstead, Assistant Editor-In-Chief
Grand Rapids Public Safety issued a Winter Storm Warning lasting from 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec 5 to 1a.m. Friday Dec, 6, stating “heavy snow and blowing snow expected.”
The warning also warned of a “Snow Squall.” According to the National Weather Service, snow squalls “move in and out quickly, and typically last less than an hour.” This definition seems to fit with the weather patterns experienced on Thursday. The National Weather Service also mentions how snow squalls do not always equate to high snowfall and may “only produce minor accumulations.”
Grand Rapids Public Safety email sent to Grand Rapids locals – Photo by Anastasia Benstead
Aquinas students seemed to agree with this statement. “The roads really weren’t that bad,” said junior Callie Devries. As a commuter she was initially wary of the roads, but was glad to find that they were quite manageable on her almost 40 minute drive.
While many students were wishing for a snow day, there were some who were glad about not having one.
“I would have been screwed for the exam if I hadn’t had that class time,” said sophomore Jaben Bakker. “I was praying to have class.” Bakker went on to discuss how helpful his class Thursday morning had been and how he feels much more confident going into the exam next week.
Students like Jessica Gomez expressed how while they would have liked a snow day, there was no justification for it since the snow squall had very little accumulation leaving roads clear. “If we had gotten more snow, I would have said it made sense,” said Gomez.
Maria Hillary agreed with the lack of justification. “A snow day would have been nice, but I’m glad not to have to make up a class,” said Hillary.
While commuter students were worried about roads, it is also important to consider students who live on campus and their walks between classes. “I’ll tell you one thing though, the groundskeepers at AQ do a fantastic job salting and keeping the sidewalks clear,” said Devries.
The Winter Weather Advisory affected a few night classes on Wednesday night as well as early morning classes and practices on Thursday. Life proceeded as scheduled for the rest of Thursday.
Temperatures were the most dramatic winter weather pattern witnessed in Grand Rapids on Thursday. Accuweather predicted real feel temperatures as low as -3 degrees in the early morning. The National Weather Service and Apple Weather only reported temperatures as low as the mid teens. The highest temperature was roughly 25 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of the afternoon when the sun briefly came out before more snowfall began.
Screenshot of Accuweather predicting real feel temperatures – Photo by: Anastasia Benstead
The Saint 