Torrential snow

I must not get distracted by e-mails
I must not get distracted by e-mails
I must not get distracted by e-mails
I must not get distracted by e-mails
I must not get distracted by e-mails

There is a question mark over a meeting I am due to attend and one of the delegates (resident of Hampshire) reported that they are forecast "torrential snow!" then posed the question, "Can you have torrential snow?"

It was more than I could resist and I had to post a response (in which I may be correct or talking nonsense, the latter being more statistically likely)

To answer your (probably rhetoric) question: I'm not sure you can have torrential snow! Snow cannot really flow in a torrent (the meaning of 'torrential') by nature of the fact it is in flake or crystal form while falling. However snow that is avalanching behaves very much like water and anyone caught in one (that isn't knocked over and out by the preceeding air blast) is advised to adopt a swim-like action in order to stay near the surface. Avalanching snow therefore could behave torrentially ..... but I think an avalanche is unlikely in Hampshire.

Meanwhile here in Oxford our piece of the MET OFFICE map has changed from orange (be aware) to Red (take action), eek! It is not clear what action one should take but given the heightened alert I am making sure I have the sledge and other alpine fun related equipment to hand. My jacket has a built in beacon so it, or in fact I, can be located beneath an avalanche ....... so if I do venture to the unstable snowy landscape of Winchester I have a fighting chance of surviving (assuming the PCSO's are equipped with the relevant detectors and training)