Extreme Weather Notice: We have reached condition 1!

When those words came over my radio I was glad I was inside a shack and not outside. I had come in about ten minutes before when condition two was designated. The wind was blowing so hard I could barely hear a thing. The snow was being blown horizontally and getting frozen in my beard. I could not see more than 50 feet in front of me. We're talking blizzard condition here in the coldest continent on earth. THIS is what I thought Antarctica weather would be like! McMurdo, and other Antarctic bases, run on this 3 condition system. Condition three is good or decent weather suitable for travel. Condition two does not allow anyone to hike off the base and no travel is advised. LCondition one means take cover- DO NOT go outside under any circumstances. I have heard stories that if condition one hits for a long time they tie huge ropes between the dorms and the galley so people can safely come get food. It is not uncommon that condition one storms blow doors off and move planes on the runway. While the weather was scary, I loved it! One can be humbled here by simply walking outside into the cold. Days like yesterday make me thankful for little things like coats, shelter, and hot drinks. I have NEVER been in a storm like the one yesterday!