Hi Phil: Not sure where you are, but what you describe sounds a LOT like what 
we have experienced in Iowa this last month.  We have about 18-24 inches on 
the ground (depending on where it drifted), and have had wind chills as low 
as -40, with howling winds.  The say its a normal winter for us, but don't 
remember them being so harsh for 35-40 years.  It sure seems like a severe 
winter, especially with the cost of natural gas in our area.  January and 
February will be doozies, if they follow suit and are worse than December!  
Stay warm.  suzy