Winter Weather Puts Rhode Islanders’ Attitudes to the Test
Thursday, February 03, 2011
The typical New Englander is instilled with the faith of those who scoff at the prospect of remaining indoors, no matter the temperature nor what is falling from the sky. To complain about the weather is heretical - one simply dons thermal underwear, brews a mug of hot cocoa, and trudges onward. "Northeast" is not merely a direction, it is an attitude that reads something like this: "I'm from New England; cold means nothing to me."
But recent weeks have put this attitude to the test.
One of RI's most severe winters
"Certainly this is one of the most severe winters we've had in the past few years," said John Ghiorse, GoLocalProv Meteorologist. "The temperature and snowfall is not unprecedented, but most winters we just get two or three big storms. This winter has been a long succession - one storm after another." Schools, courts, and local businesses have been closed with increasing frequency. And forget about parking - bans are in effect "until further notice."GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
"There are definitely more cancellations than in the past," Ghiorse said, "especially pre-cancellations. That may have to do with better weather reports... but I also think people are more cautious now, especially in terms of kids getting stuck coming and going from school."
Who is getting days off?
Though school children, teachers, and Rhode Island representatives are all getting a reprieve due to the mere inch of precipitation in the past 24 hours (both the House and Senate cancelled sessions and committee hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday this week) other members of the Rhode Island workforce have had no such luck.
"The essential people - police, firemen, doctors, plowers - they're all going to work and working hard, even in this weather," Ghiorse said.
Who isn't?
They're not the only ones. Workers at the Port of Providence are posting 10-hour shifts on the waterfront - possibly the coldest, wettest place in the city.
"It's always cold down here in the winter, but this winter ranks up there with the worst," said Operations Manager Chris Waterson. "Cargo has to move through the Port, regardless of the weather. You just have to layer up and get inside whenever possible."
Meanwhile, Rhode Island's Young Republicans are spending the entire evening inside.
"We can't afford to have any Republicans on the roads tonight!" read an email announcing the postponement of the groups's 2011 kickoff event. "Stay home and watch the riots," it advised.
The toughest pros of all - RI fishermen
Another group of professionals, however, are maintaining a steely resolve.
"To most commercial fisherman there is a sort of calloused status quo - just go out there and get the job done." said Richard Fuka, president of the Rhode Island Fishermen's Alliance. "It's standard procedure to be out in harsh weather. You can't pick and choose the conditions."
Fishing trips range from 15-hour day trips beginning around 2-3am to week-long expeditions in which fishermen work around the clock.
"People expect their fresh seafood dinners from fishermen, even if it means we're out in current conditions. It's never a question for a fisherman about whether or not to go out there," Fuka said. Though the cold weather typical of the Northeast was once hailed by inhabitants as "invigorating" and "refreshing," these adjectives have been replaced by mere groans and forlorn glances out icy windows. "There is a lot of complaining that goes on," said the Port's Waterson. "But go back five, ten years, and winters were just as bad. You never heard this amount of complaining."
Are we getting softer?
Ghiorse disagreed.
"It's normal to complain about the weather," he said. "I don't think we're getting soft, just a little grumpier."
But what does it say that those with jobs outdoors are the ones reporting for work everyday, regardless of the weather report, while office buildings and store fronts remain deserted?
"Some New Englanders are always up for the challenge," Fuka said.
Some.
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