sometimes, it's TMI

By the time many of you read this, I’m likely to be living with the effects of a good old-fashioned nor’easter blizzard. The good news is that 19^th and 20^th century science has brought us a pretty thorough understanding of this kind of weather. But the last several decades of science and, most important, technology has improved our ability to predict storms like this one with impressive accuracy. Lives are saved because we can prepare and that is a very good thing. We typically know when the storm will arrive, how long it will last, what the likely snowfall amounts will be. We can secure loose outdoor items, charge our phones, stock up on batteries and shelf-stable foods in case the power is out for a while. And, in my neck of the woods, that’s a very likely possibility. It’s happened dozens of times in the 30 years I’ve lived here.

So, I am grateful. I prepare. We get through it.

That said . . . 

That said, there is such a thing as too much information. T.M.I! Because meteorologists can predict so well, we know about this storm 36 to 48 hours in advance. Because it’s a big storm, it makes headlines – in every possible news outlet there is. And there are many. Television. Radio. Newspapers (yes, it’s known well enough in advance to print). Apps. Lots and lots of apps. And we are all so tuned in that every one of us hears about it. Every hour. It’s a big story, so they keep talking about it to each other. Over and over and over! Have you heard? Yes, I’ve heard. My app says 16 inches. Oh, mine says 24 inches. Well, mine says winds will be dangerous. Mine says that too, and that tides will be high and there will be flooding. You know it’s coming, right? Classes are cancelled. I think they’re shutting down city hall. Trains may not be able to run on time. Did you know this is the biggest . . . I heard it could be . . . Well, my app says . . .

People! Enough, already. Stop. TMI!

We live in amazing times. And we live with ancient challenges. Do not be overly fearful. Warnings should suffice. You know what to do. You should listen. I do not suggest we should minimize any danger but in these days, in the onslaught of apps, and repeated news stories, and constant fear, we are well served by Macbeth’s warning, when friends (or we) are elevated to panic: “It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing.”

Be warned. You know what to do. Keep calm and carry on.