The topic of snow has filled the halls of Cardinal Gibbons this week. 

Students and educators alike have engaged in debates, trying to determine if Raleigh will receive the anticipated winter storm this weekend that supposedly consists of several inches of snow. 

Some believers are adamant that this forecast will be fulfilled and trust that Cardinal Gibbons will not be conducted in person for several days next week. 

Others doubt the reports, believing they are an exaggeration of the coming “storm”.

More of the Same?

In Raleigh, a typical snow day consists of mild flurries, some ice, and a city-wide panic. Usually, there is no significant snow. And on the occasion that there is actual snow, as opposed to the commonality of sleet or icy rain, it hardly sticks or melts immediately. 

Every few years, we get an actual snowfall. Snow that actually sticks to the ground, dusts the rooftops, and blankets everything. This rare occurrence does typically provide a short recess from school and work lasting one or two days, but even then the snow very rarely exceeds an inch or two.

Each time the forecast predicts snow, North Carolinians enter a frenzy of anticipation. And each time, the reality often disappoints. 

So the pressing question consumed by all in the Cardinal Gibbons community is; what will happen this weekend?

The Reports

The weather reports have fluctuating predictions as to the magnitude of the coming winter “storm”. 

On Wednesday, a generic weather app on cell phones predicted 3-4 inches of snow on Saturday, 11-13 inches Sunday, and 1 inch on Monday. Now, on Friday, those forecasts look different, with only about an inch expected Saturday, 4-5 inches on Sunday, and less than an inch of a winter-mix Monday. 

Although these predictions seem promising due to the low weekend temperatures that don’t exceed 36 degrees, North Carolinians are often promised inches of snow and rewarded with nothing more than an icy flurry. 

But, if the predictions are fulfilled and central North Carolina does become buried in inches of ice and snow, the area, including the Cardinal Gibbons community, would inevitably be shut down to some measure.

There is no way to determine for certain what this weekend will entail. 

Maybe the reports are no more than propaganda and the storm will consist of the winter weather North Carolina natives are used to; a wintery mix lacking the sledable and snowman worthy snow many crave. 

Hopefully however, a hope that seems to be a large consensus in the Gibbons community, the Triangle will receive the largest snowfall it has since 2018 when some areas received up to 11 inches. 

All will be determined this weekend, but regardless of what happens, stay safe out there Crusaders!