It's Bill, 2/8/26: West Quoddy Weathers Winter

Winter Forecasts and Familiar Debates

It’s about impossible to think about winter weather without mentioning the accompanying weather forecasts. Oh yeah, what are they talking about? First of all, no two forecasts are the same. Furthermore, everyone interprets the same forecast differently, leaving a lot of room for further discussion, with folks asserting they have the correct forecast. Then the next forecast arrives, different again, and the forecasting game rolls on with a new life.

Punxsutawney Phil Weighs In

We look forward every year to February 1, when Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow to make his woodchuck winter weather prognostication based on whether or not he sees his shadow. My friend, the Owl, reminds me we should pay attention to Phil’s wisdom. At the very least, Phil simplifies the forecast. This year, Phil saw his shadow—six more weeks of winter. This winter certainly looks like that’s the way we’re headed.

One Storm, Then Another

About a week before, a winter storm was forecast for all of Maine to start on Sunday, January 18. The snowstorm was initially forecast to start on Sunday afternoon, up to 12”, which was fairly accurate. This presented the opportunity for many to comment that accumulation differed as too little or too much and varied the start time from Saturday to Monday. It was entertaining to note that it was the same storm being bandied around for a week.

The reality was that it was basically two storms, back to back. Forecast to start Sunday at 4, the snow started about 6:30 PM and went through the night. We got plowed early Monday morning, the snow having stopped, with about another 6”. After a quiet, beautiful interlude Monday afternoon, the snow started up again with another 6” overnight. We were plowed and sanded again Tuesday morning. We drove cautiously on plowed, snow-covered roads.

Fresh snow and clear skies at West Quoddy Station after back-to-back winter storms.

Winter at West Quoddy Station

I enjoy driving after a big snowstorm, particularly in my Tundra. After the storm, about 75% of the vehicles on the road were trucks, more than half of them with plows. We sure know how to take care of snow in The Real Downeast. There’s a wonderful peace and serenity with everything being fresh and white. The best part is that there is very little traffic. Most folks are still home, comfortable with the food and supplies they purchased the week before in preparation for the storm.

West Quoddy Station weathered the storm well. Our buildings had been perfectly plowed out. My staff shoveled out our lodging doorways, sanding and salting as they went. The parking lot and parking spaces were salted and sanded. We took care of our current guests and were ready to receive our incoming guests. West Quoddy Station is a fine winter destination.