BE PREPARED: Winter 2014-15 May Not Be What You Expect

Now, I'm no fortune-teller, but I do follow current events - especially when they relate to weather.

If you're living in the Midwestern or Southern United States, you'll want to be sure you have a two-stage snow blower available and operable come the end of November or early December.

According to The Weather Centre, here are the predictions for 2014-15 winter in the U.S.

For the Pacific Northwest: A warmer than normal winter with around average precipitation is currently favored, due to the state of the Pacific Ocean and choice analog year. Snowfall is projected to be slightly above normal.

For the Southwest: A warmer than normal winter with above average precipitation is currently favored, due to expected high pressure along the West Coast and an enhanced subtropical jet stream. Snowfall is projected to be around average.

For the North Plains: A cooler than normal winter with average precipitation is currently favored, due to the expected Pacific set-up and choice analog years. Snowfall is projected to be around average.

For the South Plains: A cooler than normal winter with slightly below average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be slightly above average.

For the Midwest and Great Lakes: A slightly cooler than normal winter with around average precipitation is currently favored. Low confidence. Snowfall is projected to be below normal. 

For the Ohio Valley: A slightly cooler than normal winter with slightly below average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be slightly below normal.

For the Southeast: A cooler than normal winter with wetter than normal precipitation is currently favored. Higher than normal confidence. Snowfall is projected to be above normal.

For the Mid-Atlantic: A cooler than normal winter with above average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be above normal.

For the Northeast: A cooler than normal winter with above average precipitation is currently favored. Snowfall is projected to be above normal.

 If you don't already have a snow blower, now is the perfect time to buy one as the newest models are out and the prices are great!

If you already do own a snow blower, now's a great time to start it up and cycle some fresh fuel through it, change the oil, and add some fuel stabilizer to make sure you don't have any problems this winter when you need it most.

What Does the Groundhog Say?

6 More Weeks of Winter - Time for a Snow Blower!

The groundhog said, "Bring more snow."

Winter's far from over, and more snow is on its way. A snowstorm is sweeping through the country from Denver, Colorado to Maine and New York.

The strongest portion of the storm will stretch from Kansas City to Vermont and New Hampshire, bringing with it 6-12".

Omaha, Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, and Boston will be seeing around 3-6" of snow between tonight and Wednesday. And Denver, New York, and Philadelphia will only see around 1-3".

If you're in the more severe strip, you're probably wishing you had a snow blower right about now. If you don't have one, it's not too late to get one in time for clearing that 12 inches of snow off of your drive and walkways.

If you're in the lighter areas between 1 and 6 inches, you may be fine with a single-stage snow blower as long as you keep on top of the snow as it comes. Anything more though, and you'll want a two-stage snow blower with a bigger opening in the front for taking in snow deeper than a few inches.

If you've got a city plow that likes to come by and plow your driveway shut with a pile of frozen slush, you'll be happy to see we've got the all new three-stage snow blowers in that can handle that frozen mountain with no problem.

Take a look around Snow Blowers Direct, and visit the Buyer's Guide for help finding what you need.

How to Tackle the Approaching Snow in Northern States

Cub Cadet Snow Blower

I hate to be the messenger on this one, but it's not over yet! Coming soon to a neighborhood near you... a lot more snow. And it's not going to be light and fluffy either.

East of Lake Ontario, it's predicted there'll be over a foot of snow coming. It's possible they may get as much as 18 inches.

The rest of the area east of the Great Lakes is expected to get several inches, possibly accumulating up to 5 or 6 inches.

This snow will be lake effect snow created by cold air moving over the Great Lakes, and the snow will be damp and heavy to shovel.

If shoveling is getting you down, you could try using an electric snow shovel in areas that are only getting another inch or so.

If you're east of Lake Ontario, it may be a good idea to research the most current snow blower ratings to find out what model of snow blower or snow thrower will fit your needs as well as your budget.

If you've already got a riding lawnmower, you could get a tractor mountable snow blower or plow blade to make the job easier.

Whatever your case, the reviews at Snow Blowers Direct can help you narrow down all of the best available models to find the best snow blower for you.

Stay warm, stay healthy, and keep clearing that snow. Eventually Spring will return, but until then, try letting some modern technology help you through the season.