Snowmageddon or much ado about nothing?

As I type this it is 2:30 pm on Thursday, March 1. TV and radio are talking about nothing but the imminent collision between a Siberian air mass and Storm Emma. All public transportation will end at 4 pm if not before. Up to 50 cm of snow is predicted along with gale force winds which will turn it into a major blizzard. With a light fall now on the ground - a few cms - and flakes kind of wafting around, it's hard to imagine that in a couple of hours we could be in a real life snow globe.

I'm all cosy here and have candles ready. The flashlight has a weak beam now but I have two phones which can "let their little lights shine" if I need something brighter. There are enough duvets for half a dozen and I have them all to myself if need be. As long as the power stays on it will be just a game. The water does not depend on an electric pump so I needn't fill the bathtub or several bottles. Tea and coffee won't be too tasty if I have to use cold tap water. I'm cooking up a few things so have no worries about being short of provisions. I might just make a loaf of bread - it seems to be the thing to have on hand.

from the dining room window around 11 this morning - pretty benign and it has stayed this way

I have my supplies ready just in case

this is out the kitchen window - I'll take more as time goes on

My various devices are charged or charging and I'll have a few hours to use the computer. Of course if the power goes out there's no wifi backup system and I'll be offline. That will be the only challenge I foresee.

I'll update here if there's a significant change in the weather. The midlands seem to be getting the worst of it so far but I'm in the predicted path of doom. The public works folks are beavering away keeping things as clear and safe as possible on the major roads. At the same time everyone is warned NOT to go out. The secondary roads are not being sanded - or gritted - and the tertiary and more rural routes are a matter of having a suitable tractor to take you around. In Cork, farmers are providing tractors for transportation to the hospital of medical staff, who would otherwise not be able to get to work.

I only have one bottle of wine and a dark chocolate bar that is supposed to pair with the Malbec so don't need more supplies if the storm only lasts a day.

I'll post now and will update as things change.