What a difference a year makes.
Last year at this time, news reports warned of an upcoming blizzard. It was a much different story as everyone was abuzz Tuesday over the unseasonably high temperatures.
Last year's blizzard dropped more than 20 inches of snow on much of the Chicago area between Feb 1 and Feb. 2. High wind gusts created massive snowdrifts and made travel nearly impossible for many.
Here are some statistics from the National Weather Service about the February 2011 blizzard:
- A total of 21.1 inches of snow was recorded in Woodstock during the blizzard. A total of 13 inches was recorded in Huntley. For a full list of snowfall totals, visit the NWS.
- The official snowfall total for the area was 21.2 inches and was recorded at O’Hare International Airport.
- The 2011 blizzard went down in the history books as the third-biggest snowfall in Chicago history.
- Wind gusts ranged from 45 to more than 60 mph throughout the Chicago region.
- There were widespread snowdrifts of between 2 and 5 feet. There were snowdrifts greater than 10 feet in some areas.
This Year: Unseasonably Warm Weather
Runners hit area trails Tuesday taking advantage of temperatures that reached into the 50s, while had a fair number of visitors stop by to let their dogs out for a muddy romp.
The warm weather has been an ongoing trend this season.
Because of it, the village of Lake in the Hills on Monday its second pond hockey tournament, which had been slated for this weekend on Woods Creek Lake.
So far this winter, there has been open water on the lake, while of ice provided a safe surface for the tournament.
Share Your Snowstorm Memories
We would like to hear from you: How were you are your family affected by last year’s storm? Did you get stuck at work? Did you have to make the drive home on treacherous roads? Did you stay home from work the day after the blizzard and what did you do with your day off?
Share Your Pictures
Got any pictures from last year's snowstorm: We would love to see them! Or how about a picture of you and your family out enjoying yesterday's warmth?
We got you started with some photos we shot during last year's storm and that were submitted to us by readers. You can post any new photos directly to this article.
