************
Hi Gary and all,
I just want to say what a wonderful job I think you guys did with this forecast. It was tough, but you did not hesitate to change things up when you felt it was necessary to keep us well prepared. I admire your courage and willingness to go with your gut; even when it was not the popular decision. You were in a very unenviable position this past week but you came out on top! Way to go!

It is beautiful this morning in Blue Springs, so now let's see what we can do about a white Christmas!
----------------------
Tammy,

Thank you. It is amazing how some people had already declared other forecasts as the best before the first snowflake fell. Unbelievable!

Gary

**********
You're doing a fantastic job Gary! You are always the most accurate dude out there. Keep up the hard, good work!
-----------------
Michelle,

Thanks!

Gary

****************
Gary, thanks for your great coverage yesterday! I am in San Diego on business and was able to keep up-to-date on what was happening at home thanks to your blogs and the video recaps on-line. Keep up the great work!!!
-----------------
Sharon,

It is nice to hear that we can keep everyone updated even when you are out of town!

Gary

************
You do a wonderful job, Gary!
Don't fret the few who will never be pleased.
The vast majority of us very much appreciate your effort.
-----------------
April,

I am not asking for any sympathy, but thanks for the support.

Gary

************
Gary, I am so sorry that guy said that to you. I don't think people remember that you are for one ONLY HUMAN and for two that you were changing the forcast when needed. I live in Kearney and no matter how disappointed I am that we did not get any snow, I know that God is the only one who has control over the weather NOT YOU! LOL.I hope that this is not sign of what is to come this winter season. I hope that the northland will not get missed with the next storms that may come. I was wondering a couple of things: 1. Did you know when you were doing your winter weather forcast that a storm like this was coming? 2. Are you going to be altering your Winter Forcast at all? I know you predicted 25" (or something like that) Does this count as part of that? 3. I know other stations (no matter how bad I want to to name them,but it was local) the 3 or 4 of the team members sat down and talked live on air that they predicted a composite 14.7" , well I believe that most of the Kansas City area either hit that or missed it but a couple inches.
For anyone to say that you need FIRED is just plan DUMB. I would like to see them do your job and do it as almost perfectly as you do it. AND be as HONEST as you are.
WE THANK YOU AND WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU DO FOR THE KANSAS CITY AREA. YOU ROCK GARY!!
----------------
Danie,

Thanks! This is definitely one of the storm systems I thought we would have based on my theory. But, there are others, and this one will repeat in a few weeks or so and when it does, maybe it will act a bit differently.

We are still in a very strange weather pattern. I just see it getting more active, not less active. And, this is why we made the prediction we did.

Gary

****************
Gary, I still believe that you all do a great job of forecasting for the area. This appeared to be a tough storm to follow. Here in Topeka the radar showed it snowing heavily but because of "sublimation"? the snow did not reach us. Others who write horrible comments do not have a true understanding of meteorology. There is no hype in forecasting. How does sublimation work in the whole of things? Thanks, Michael/Topeka
-------------
Michael,

Well, the snowflakes evaporating on their way down is sort of what Sublimation is. We were just as dry as you were further west before the snow started falling. It is just that we had some significant rising motion creating a cooling and saturation of the entire layer.

Gary

**************
Gary, we got 7 1/2" at 145th and Antioch. Very easy to shovel, though. My parents are driving from Minnesota today on I-35. When will they see any snow? Bethany? Cameron? Liberty? Downtown KC?
-----------------------
Joe,

They won't see any snow until they approach your house. It really begins around I-35 and 67th street. Amazing!

Gary

**************
Gary:

Not sure where to place this but I wanted to say thanks for responding to my question-I really appreciate it. Again, I am sorry if I sounded like a sore loser that was not my intent at all-I do realize that espicially in this area there are always good spots and some who just "miss" it!!!! That is the way of winter weather in eastern Kansas and Western Missouri!! I was just thinking about the whole event and just wondered if that may have been a factor. I am truly thankfull for the rain we recieved and we were def. impacted by this storm-I hope that we see some more this winter as we are still close to 7 inches below normal for the year. I will always get excited when a storm approaches and while I am "bumbed" a bit I know we will get some snow this winter-even in the most horrible winters we always manage something and with what has occured this Fall I do not think this will be anywhere close to one of those "horrible" winters-like 72-73 where I think we got just a trace the whole winter!! Thanks again so much to responding to all my ramblings the past 2 days. To me, besides your accuracy, your responses to the blogs are what makes you and your team so good-you are busy yet you take the time to answer questions-that is fantastic and a real tribute to your and your team!!! Keep up the good work-I'm going out to pull my two boys behind my bike on thier sleds-sleet aint all bad!!!!
---------------------
Bill,

We are just glad you are enjoying this blog! Have a great weekend.

Gary

******************
Gary,

This week's weather forecasts are one of the reasons I *always* watch you, Brett, and company. Simply the best in town! I know I can count on you and your team to work around the clock to ensure that the KC area is prepared for anything.

Bravo!
------------------------
AJ,

Thank you so much! You should do a promo for us.

Gary

************************
Kansas City thinks you are great! It was a crazy week in weather. I am just glad it ended with a bang and snowed. I live for the first snow!
--------------------
Jenna,

I agree. It was very scary yesterday morning when it looked like that snow/no snow line was still moving our way. I am so glad it stopped leaving about half of the city to enjoy a snowstorm to finish off the week. If that line goes 25 miles further south there are a lot of mad people this morning.

Gary

************
Gary,
I just want to thank you for being so great. Although I didn't always have access to a TV, unless I was in a patient room at the right time, I was able to access your blog from our dept to check the weather. It did snow at my hospital in north KCK but it didn't really stick. 435 was in pretty good shape down to Edwardsville. But from your blog I knew that things would get more trecherous as I made my way home to Lenexa at 1900 and sure enough the change in weather and road conditions was very obvious. Thanks to you I knew what to expect and made it home safely.
-----------
Jeri,

We are glad we provided enough information for you.

Gary

**********
Gary I have earned alot of respect for y ou in the last couple of days. You stuck by your forecast when other people were changing hteirs up. You made a very accurate prediction which is not always the case in meterology. You will be my #1 weather guy now! :) Happy snow day!!
------------
Samantha,

Thank you so much! We will be working hard to not let you down.

Gary

**************
State road E north of Adrian got 16" of snow.
---------------
Larry,

WOW!

Gary

************
Hi Gary. Well you and are are on polor ends of the spectrum when it comes to snow. I'm much more of a sun worshiper and found last weekends weather more to my liking. I just spent an hour of backbreaking labor shoveling my driveway. Still it was no surprise thanks to you dead-on forecast. Keep up the good work.
------------------------
Walt,

I love the sun too!

Gary

*****
18 inches of snow in Nelson, MO! (Saline County, SE of Marshall) Can't even see the a/c unit outside!
----------------------
Beth,

Thanks for this amazing report!

Gary

*********
Great job Gary and staff! You guys kept on top of a very difficult winter storm and I appreciate your honesty and all the hard work.We are truly lucky to have a great meterologist in our area like Gary.I read your blog everyday and love it. THHANX AGAIN Darryl
----------------------
Darryl,

It was a difficult, but then rewarding day for us Thursday. Very stressful.

Gary

**************
Good Morning Gary. Just wanted to check in to advise that we had about 8.5 inches where I live in Grandview (couple blocks west of Longview Lake)... My two Siberian Huskies are loving the snow and don't want to come in... Keep up the great work...
------------------
Bill,

Thanks for the report!

Gary

************
Wow, that was fun! Lets do it again soon, say around Dec 25. Gary you do a great job, I can tell you really enjoy what you do, that's what makes you the best. Wish we could have got a little more snow up north, but I'll wait for the next chance.
-------------------
M,

Your chance is coming before the end of the year.

Gary

*************
Gary and forecast team-

We had a snowfall total bet at the office. With all of the drifts and clearing were having trouble declaring a winner. Can you help us out? We in Mission, KS.

Thanks,

Jared
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Jared,

We think that 5 inches fell in Mission.

Gary

*****************
Gary, you really need to develop a thicker skin if you're going to keep doing anything in the public eye. I hope you're not going through a pack of Tums a day, but it sounds like it.
----------------
Fred,

There are days that are tough, but most of the time I just go with the flow. 1 tums a day.

Gary

**************
Pleasanton Kansas with many different measurements average was 19-21 inches...my girls are LOVING it!!!! Great work weather team.
-----------------
Monica,

Wow!

Gary and weather Team,
So many snow drifts around my house, not sure how much we did get! My hubby tried to tell me we only got 3-4 inches, but I think he is wrong of course as I am the one who had to go out and do some snow removing as I opened up the doors to let our dog out for her morning potty break. Can someone please tell me how much we got on the south side of Oak Grove?
Thanks and GREAT WORK!

Dear Gary
What happened? We were in the area targeted for a huge amount of snow and just got a few inches.?
Well, we love ya anyway..ha! It was nice to see some snow..

randy/debi
pomona, ks

Gary,

Even though I am far away (Colorado) I enjoy this blog and site to find out what is REALLY happening with the weather. As far as news station weather people in the Colorado front range area, there are none who are as creative and thorough as you (although there is some good scientific weather resources here at Colo. State University and in nearby Boulder). So keep up the good work and hope you don't mind me logging in from afar. You might be interested to know that right on the heels of this storm on Nov. 29, Greeley Colorado (20 miles away) got down to -18 degrees. That's pretty impressive for November, and something we have not seen in a while.

Although I'm pleased as punch over this weeks' weather, I can't help but look ahead a little. When we have this strong of a storm does this mean its over for awhile, or is there something else on the horizon?

************
I feel inclined to repeat one of my earlier blogs, but I will just put down my thoughts again.

To the haters, YOU try to forecast a storm from 6 days out to 6 hrs out. ITS NOT EASY. Its kinda like trying to land a 737 jet on a postage stamp.

The only bit of criticism I have, which I am sure is human, is the tendacy to flop a bit on the forecast based on the models. Gary, you know better...trust the GRC. TRUST THE GRC. But, that said, you were still very consistent on snow coming, and you NAILED it. Folks, trying to forecast the exact amount is nearly impossible. With a metro as large as ours and the subsequent viewing area, there will always be exceptions. Factoring in atmospheric conditions such as atmospheric saturation, dry slots and the general unpredictablity of building low pressure is a nightmare.

Ok...done with that. The snow was great, and based on the GRC and SMC [shameless plug], this will be an active season.

Jeremy, nice job in jumping into the blogs. Good work so far, but for the small segment of diehards, a bit more of tech talk would be nice.
----------------
Scott,

I am trying to get to each blog entry. And, I finally did get to yours. Our blog has exploded in bloggers as of late, which is a good thing.

You would have flip flopped too. It wasn't just the models. That no snow/snow line stopped near downtown. Thank goodness.

When we invite the bloggers I will probably have a limit of around 30 to 40 or so. I may be waiting until early January for the bloggers meeting. But we will have it.

Gary

Gary, The Lake of the Ozarks area is taking a hudge hit. Hundreds of docks are collapsing into the lake. With millions of dollars worth of damage.

Gary, Here is a photo of The Moorings Marina.
http://www.turkeybendtrail.com/Moorings_photos.html

Gary,

Out here in Lawrence, we recieved nothing but flurries despite the radar showing differentely. I was wondering why the significant rains we received early in the week didn't help saturate the air with moisture and allow it to snow more.

Drew

Dear Gary,

You shouldn't be fired, you should be given a raise. I hope the ice and snow somehow severs the internet connection of the gentleman who suggested otherwise. Your no snow line was only six miles off in my area between Toganoxie (no snow) and Lawrence (dusting). Thats darn good forcasting. Keep up the great work! Those of us near Reno, KS are counting on you!

Gary,
I remember our first snow storm last year. Your first winter forcast called for about 15" of snow last year. That storm passed that total and you upped the snow chances. Any chance that you may up this years total snow fall.
Thanks.

Gary,
I remember our first snow storm last year. Your first winter forcast called for about 15 inches of snow last year. That storm passed that total and you upped the snow chances. Any chance that you may up this years total snow fall.
Thanks.

More buildings are collapsing in the Lake area. It is a nightmare here.

Yes, this was a truely amazing storm, and for us that didn't get the snow, last week we thought that it was probably just going to be a strong mainly dry cold front and we ended up with an ice storm and springlike thunderstorms before that!
A few questions that I do have though is, is this October's part of the pattern(we have completed the first cycle) or is this still new territory? IF this is "October" again, does this mean we have only a three week window before the next "November" part of the pattern arrives?
BTW, Will the "gathering" day be about two weeks after you announce it?( It would make it much easier to ask for it off from work, if this is not possible I completely understand I know you are a very busy person and I thank you for thinking of us bloggers)
Thanks for your time.
Nick in St. Joe!

What an amazing week. Last week I thought we'd never get into the cold part of winter and this week I'm scared of what my gas bill will be. I can't complain though I'm just happy to finally have a little bit of 'real' winter here.

What made this storm system so strong? A lot of the time we get 'dry slotted' and that prevents us from getting the big snow totals that are possible. Why didn't that happen this time?

Gary.

Wow! We got 8-9" of snow in Independence! What do you think about the chance of snow late next week?

Andy

Gary, do you have a fairly firm grip on how long each cycle will be this winter? If this storm recurs, in whatever form, when can we look for it to happen again?

And pfffbbbt on that guy who sent you the nastygram. You do a fantastic job. Never think you aren't appreciated, because you are!

What a beautiful morning. I measured 17" of snow this morning here in Rich Hill, the town is virtually "snowed in", and life couldn't be better. Thanks for the accurate forecast. Even though I was a little doubtful when there was only 8" last night at 10:00 and the snow had slowed, I awoke to a winter wonderland this morning. Thanks for caring for us to the South of the city. The other stations don't like to venture out past Cass County!

Oh I have to jump in here and give all of you props for a job well done :)

Fired huh? Well ok...I guess one should loose their job for being the most accurate...NOT! One of the most things we admire about you and the weather team is that you change accordingly, even if that means there is a difference between your 5pm newscast and your 6pm. Thanks to you last night my husband knew leaving to go to work that there was a big difference going to Liberty from Independence. We are on the north side of Independence and my husband called me and said just driving 10 mins north was really amazing with the difference in the weather. AND at our house we ended up with around 7in of snow, I believe we fell right into that area of snow you had on your graphics...

Thanks for watching out for us!!!

Great Job! I knew you would pull through. Now, Gary, get some sleep before the Chiefs game on Sunday!!!
Debbie

Gary:
Thank you for all that you do. Those of us that have lived in the area all of our lives know that predicting our weather is very hard. Thankfully we have you and please keep up the great work. Oh yeah in Independence area at Godgell and 291 we got about 6 inches.

Thank you. My wife and I appreciate the effort you, and your team, obviously put in to forecast the KCMO area weather as acccurately as possible. We appreciate the depths you go to in order to be as accurate as possible. When you occasionaly "mis-forecast", and this is not often, I appreciate your humility in acknowledging that you made a mistake. It is refreshing. Some of the people on the radio yesterday morning were out of line and need to recognize that, not only were you not too far off on the snow amounts locally, you were forecasting our present conditions days before anyone else. Thanks Gary! Good job! Keep up the good work.

Gary,

You did an amazing job with the weather. I live in Blue Springs and got plenty of snow.
You are always doing a great job, and I hope you keep up the great work and stick around for a long time.

GREAT WORK!

Susan

The snow totals in NW Missouri are mind-boggling.

I am in central KS and got nothing from this, but it is just amazing how quick this storm got wound up. Very rare in the Midwest, no doubt!

**************
Gary, my wife and I have been watching you since, I believe, 1991 or 1992 and your enthusiasm for weather and trying to do all you can to make your forecast right are the reasons we have followed you ever since then - even when we had to hop stations to find you!

I have been a lot of places and seen many weather forecasters, but you are the best AND most fun to watch, to boot!
***************************
JR,

Thanks!

Gary

********
Gary:

It is quite obvious you truly enjoy what you do and it is a pleasure to watch someone who is that passionate about their job.

Keep up the great work!
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Robb,

Thanks!

Gary

**********
Hi Gary and Weather Team! You all do a wonderful job! I live in Hamilton, Missouri and we receive no snow :(, but maybe next time. We could do with out all the ice though. I just wanted you all to know how much we in northwest missouri appericate how well you do your job. Thanks again for a job well done!
sincerely,
Stephanie
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Stephanie,

Thanks. You better get some snow before the end of the year with this pattern we are in.

Gary

***************
Gary, good job yesterday. Although we didn't get any snow, I still know you did your best. Who else would stick with what they believe for snow. And what that person said to you to "Going to do everything he could to get you fired", ingore it. You weren't trying to "Hype up the weather for ratings" you just said something you thought, thats all. Anyway good job.
----------------------------
Alden,

Thanks! Have a great weekend.

Gary

**************
Based on your theory, when should be our next chance of snow? I live close to Worlds of Fun and didn't get much snow.
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Ann,

We see a few storm systems and set ups that should bring us some chances. I am expecting another good chance within two weeks.

Gary

******************
Gary and the Weather Team-

I thought you guys did a great job telling us what would happen. People ask me who to count on and I always respond with "Gary Lezak at Channel 41 in Kansas City." Baldwin City at about 9pm last night had 4" of snow. Please let us know when you are planning the event for your bloggers. Have a great day!

Ryan
-------------------------
Ryan,

I will let you know. Thank you!

Gary

***************
Gary: The pattern looks fairly warm most of the US for an extended period (through at least mid December) beginning later next week. CPC now shows this in their 14-day outlook. Since you're thinking there's another good chance within two weeks, do you disagree with this very mild outlook? When do you think the pattern will change back to cold again? Thanks, and great work!
---------------------
G.D.

The 14 day outlook issued a couple of weeks ago had us warm and dry. So, things change......everyday. I am not confident in the chance within two weeks. We are still learning more about this pattern we are in.

Gary

**************
Gary,
Looking at the GFS models it looks like El Nino may be starting to influence the overall weather pattern. Temperature anomalies are going to be above normal in the Western half of Canada and the high plains with the Pacific flow coming back in. I am still hoping for East Pacific ridging that lasts a long time!
Devin
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Devin,

There are some El Nino signitures in the next couple of weeks. But, they have been showing up for a while. El Nino's influence is battling with the overall pattern. I firmly believe that this storm was further south than it would have been if there was no El Nino, and this is how I think it affects the pattern.

Gary

Gary, I posted something earlier this afternoon...did you lose it? Hope not..thought it was good post.

Gary,
I am hoping that the El Nino influence will not shift any future snowstorms too far south of our area. I think I blogged a few days ago saying that most of the snow would fall south of I-70 based on the GFS, but the snow cutoff was truly amazing. 7-8 inches in Baldwin City and 0.5 inches in Lawrence is only a 15 mile difference!!
Devin

Hey Gary. My husband and I were on opposite ends "will we get snow". I told him that your predictions are accurate and that you would not say something if you really didn't believe it. Well, guess I was right!! Nine inches to play in. Now, we just need a white Christmas!!!

Hey Gary

*******************
Although I was out of town and missed the storm, I used the blog to stay up to date on things and it was like I was in KC myself. Great job on describing the storm and what can I say, a great prediction. Arrived back in Greenwood today with 12 inches in my driveway. That is plenty for me for a while, I wore myself out shoveling!

Great job weather team 41,

Tim in GW
------------------------
Tim,

I was out of town years ago when Oklahoma City was hit by a 15 inch snowstorm. I was the best man at my brothers wedding so I had to miss it. It was horrible, but life goes on.

Wow, 12 inches. I just put it on the graphic that I am showing in 3 minutes.

Gary

Well, my mom got stuck in Cleveland overnight on Wednesday night because of the ice, but made it here on Thursday afternoon just ahead of the snow. Thank goodness. On Wednesday morning I called my brother in CT, where my mom was visiting and due to return, and let them know my mom's flight could get delayed or canceled due to your forecast of ice Wednesday evening. My brother looked at weather.com, and said no way will it get canceled, the ice warning has been lifted for your area. I told him, no way, you are not looking at Gary Lezak's forecast, and you can not rely on National Weather service at all for our local forecast. He got almost angry and said "I am sure the NWS knows what they are doing more than some local guy", Guess who was right? Luckily, my mom was prepared for that possibility, because it happened. After an airline provided meal and hotel room and flight change, she made it home about 18 hours after she should have been.

Hi Gary,
You did a great job with this week's weather, despite the difficulty of knowing exactly where the storm would hit. Weather forecasting isn't an 'exact science' we all know and compared to the other stations here, you were the most accurate. I am curious if you got any sleep the night before the snow hit?? I bet you didn't! :o)

Keep up the good work Gary. Your's is the "only" weather I watch.

Laura

PS I missed your winter weather prediction and can't find it here on the blog site. Have you posted it by any chance? I would like to know.

Gary for weather "Man of the Year"
Thanks for all you do

Tom B

****************
Gary,

How is that storm for thursday lookin?

Andy
....................

Right now it looks like just a frontal passage with little to no moisture:(

Jeremy

****************
Gary - heard from relatives at the Lake of the Ozarks - docks are sunk because of the snows - boat houses underwater or collapsed. Let folks know so they can check out their property. Lake Arrowhead docks are underwater (big cruisers there). Folks fear personal water crafts gone due to sunken docks. I have pictures but dont' know how to send them to you. Need an e-mail address.

....................

Thanks for the heads up. Please send your pictures to:

news@nbcactionnews.com

We look forward to seeing the pictures!

Jeremy