A potentially historic storm is bearing down on us, coming up from the south in a blaze of glory. Virginia has already had its huge storm, back in December. Yet here comes another when last weekend’s storm still hasn’t melted.
Predictions have changed hourly. Currently the prediction for the Virginia burbs is 20-22 inches of snow by Saturday night. That is a heap of snow. The December storm was recorded at 16.4 inches for Washington, DC. Naturally areas outside the city measured in at deeper amounts.
This storm is expected to hit around noon Friday. VDOT has already requested that people stay home, starting Friday night. It is harder to plow when cars are on the road. This storm will be a real budget buster for VDOT. Most area schools, especially in Virginia, cancelled classes for tomorrow.
This will be our snow thread for the week. Will we have a blizzard? What will total amounts be?
I have plenty if milk, flour (for bread) and toilet paper, so bring it on! I’m loving this winter.
No one needs to go out and “survive” the blizzard by preparing for a week long stay in the house… At most the roads will be clear within 12 hours after the snow stops….
if you don’t have 24 hours of food and water in your house then you are really unprepared for anything….and I’m sure everyone can survve two days without storming the grocery store
I LOVE snow…And I wish the state would never plow the roads or clear the sidewalks, just so we could all learn to enjoy the slower lifestyle for a week instead of 1 day. If it wasn’t for Lawyers…we’dd all be able to keep snow in our driveways and sidewalks and ENJOY it rather than curse it.
My recommendation, relax for a change, forget about work for two days, enjoy the down time with your family…cook for a change instead of go out to eat anmd go sleigh riding or snowshoeing…
Thats what I do and that’s why I think everyone else has no sense or experience in enjoying anything but the mall….
No one needs to go out and “survive” the blizzard by preparing for a week long stay in the house… At most the roads will be clear within 12 hours after the snow stops….
if you don’t have 24 hours of food and water in your house then you are really unprepared for anything….and I’m sure everyone can survIve two days without storming the grocery store in an insane pursuit of survival food…
I LOVE snow…And I wish the state would never plow the roads or clear the sidewalks, just so we could all learn to enjoy the slower lifestyle for a week instead of 1 day. If it wasn’t for Lawyers…we’dd all be able to keep snow in our driveways and sidewalks and ENJOY it rather than curse it.
My recommendation, relax for a change, forget about work for two days, enjoy the down time with your family…cook for a change instead of go out to eat anmd go sleigh riding or snowshoeing…
Thats what I do and that’s why I think everyone else has no sense or experience in enjoying anything but the mall….
Am I seeing double? Why are there 2 Michaels? I need to stop drinking so much.
Enjoy it. Snuggle up with someone you love.
I love snow. I hope I feel that way next week.
Wolverine, our Lakota school now has a blog. Check out blog roll.
I’m fine with it when it hits on the weekend. However, it still isn’t fun shoveling it and eventually having to deal with the roads here. Last time in December, Monday morning on the way to work, Glenkirk Rd by my neighborhood was a disaster and very treacherous.
Statements that the roads will be clear in 12-24 hours aren’t exactly truthful. Yes, the major roads will be, but secondary roads like Glenkirk Road which services many neighborhoods in Gainesville, has proven not to be. Yesterday morning it was not in good shape either (Wednesday morning) and that was a light snowfall, relatively speaking. It was completely snow covered and had slick areas to it, at 6 AM Wednesday morning. It was much worse the Monday morning after the December snowfall. I am assuming it will not be fun this coming Monday either!
However, the weekend is the best timing so am glad once again it is picking the weekend. It is fun for awhile, but really I’ve seen enough snow this winter. It is a good time to stay home and relax, other than having to go out and shovel periodically to try to stay ahead of having to shovel all of it after the snowfall. It is good exercise, I suppose, but not my favorite form of getting exercise.
I’ve enjoyed snow on the ground long past the storm. I forgot how much I’ve missed it. Our road crews have done a great job on the main roads. Grtting to them might take some effort but I recall winters where it took DAYS for the main roads. The new challenge is where to dump the snow!.
“And I wish the state would never plow the roads or clear the sidewalks, just so we could all learn to enjoy the slower lifestyle for a week instead of 1 day.”
Michael, that one line reminded me of my youth. I can remember being a pre-teen living in DC near a place called River Road, which was a very busy road leading from Bethesda-Chevy Chase to Wisconsin Avenue.
When it would snow heavily, my dad and I would go out for a walk up River Road and the snow had changed the city of Washington into the sleepy little town. There would only be the occasional car and the only sound you heard occasionally was the sound of tire chains. The rest of the time it was eerily quiet.
It was a nice respite from the normal busy sounds.
Let it snow!!! 🙂 I love it. If it is going to be cold, it may as well snow.We have been lucky that the storms have been on the weekend for the most part. Spring will be here before we know it 🙂
milk… check.
bread… check.
toilet paper… check.
case of beer… check.
That everything I need, I’m ready.
NOVEC Asks Customers to Prepare for Snow Storm and Possible Outages
NORTHERN VIRGINIA – The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative is preparing for possible electric outages that may result from snow forecasted to begin falling on Friday, Feb. 5, 2010, and is asking customer-owners to also prepare.
“With the forecast of one to two feet of snow, we’re preparing for the worst,” says Allen Barbee, vice president, Electric System Operations. “Our crews are ready to restore power in the six counties NOVEC serves in case outages occur. Trees and branches loaded with snow can fall on power lines and knock out electric service. Trees that fell during the Dec. 18 and 19 snow storm caused outages, but this new storm could cause even more damage to trees and wires because the snow is expected to be heavier.”
Contact NOVEC if an Outage Occurs
If a customer loses power, Barbee says he or she should call NOVEC’s interactive voice response system (IVR) at 703-335-0500, or toll-free 1-888-335-0500 and follow the prompts. Instructions are in English and Spanish. Operations coordinators will be on duty 24-hours a day.
Customers should make sure NOVEC has their current phone numbers because NOVEC’s outage system uses caller ID to expedite the outage reporting and restoration process. Barbee says, “To report a new or changed number, a customer should have his or her account number handy, call NOVEC and follow the prompts to verify or update a phone number.”
Outage Updates
Customers can monitor their service restoration status by calling the IVR. If they have access to online computers, they can view the outage map on the Home Page of http://www.novec.com.
Outage Preparation and Safety
· Cordless phones do not work when power is out; charge cell phones in advance of the storm.
· Have flashlights, battery-powered lanterns and other light sources ready, and have fresh, extra batteries on hand.
Use a NOAA weather radio or other battery-powered radio for information.
· Have enough medicine, first aid supplies and baby care items. If prescriptions are essential, get them refilled. Click on the National Hurricane Center’s Disaster Supply Kit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/prepare/supply_kit.shtml.
· People should stay away from downed power lines or trees lying on lines. They should notify NOVEC immediately if they see a downed line. If NOVEC’s phones are busy, they should call 911.
· Warning! Portable generators must be properly installed by an electrician outdoors, never inside a building or a closed garage. Generators can produce lethal levels of carbon monoxide. Improper installation can destroy a home. And, excess generator electricity can backfeed into power lines and possibly electrocute linemen who are working to restore power. Log on to http://www.novec.com for important generator safety information.
· People should not use candles, but if they do, they should watch them and keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
· People should not step into flooded or snow-filled areas where submerged outlets and cords may have energized the space. Electricity running through water is lethal. All homes should have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) to help prevent electrocution and shock. Portable GFCIs can be installed without tools. They cost $12 to $30.
Extra Measures on Cold Days
Open drapes and shades during the day to collect solar energy. Close them at night to trap heat indoors.
Go in and out of the house infrequently to keep heat indoors.
Keep the refrigerator closed. Food will last approximately one day, and frozen food up to two days. If power is out longer than that, put perishable food in a secure cooler and place it in the garage or on a porch if the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Frozen food will stay frozen if it is 32 degrees or below.
If it is 32 degrees or below inside, water pipes can freeze. Let them drip until power is restored.
The snow started around 9:40 in the Manassas burbs. Small and large flakes mixed and they are coming down fast. No lingering flakes here.
Don’t forget to feed the birds.
just started in Hoodbridge over here on rt. 1.
@Moon-howler
Wait ’til the snow is over or they won’t find the seed! 😉
@hello
I just got back from Bloom and Ace Hardware. Crazy places now.
I save stouffers trays and keep them under a covered porch. I can recycle them often enough that they don’t get buried.
I love it, particularly the near silence.
M-h, a couple days ago I smeared some peanutbutter on the trees for my woodpeckers. Much to my surprise, by the time I got back into the house the trees were covered with bluebirds eating peanutbutter. I’ve had bluebirds nest in the yard before but they’ve never visited any of our feeders. It was quite a treat to see them.
Yes, and watch for the Snow Baby Boomlet at local hospitals and birthing centers in nine months!
I was just out and saw a funny thing that demonstrates clear thinking. There is a house that is for sale but apparently someone is going to do some digging. So it looks like Miss Utility has marked the snow where the utility lines are.
Just seemed funny to me to mark something transient like snow as well as in about 5 hours, the new snow will cover it. So either it will melt and the lines will be gone or the new snow will obliterate the markings.
RE: bluebirds. I have two mated pair that are always mooching food from me. 😉
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn55/kapookee/male_bluebird.jpg
Just received a robo-call from the City of Manassas, asking residents to park in their driveways and garages tonight, and definitely NOT on snow emergency routes. They are estimating 36-48 hours before roads (244 lane miles in City) are plowed. They know how to estimate this stuff.
Stocking up for 3 to 5 days is just plain common sense and safety-minded. Mr. cindy b is going to be out there transporting freight railroad crews when the cabs don’t run. I don’t want him stuck behind someone making a 7-11 run for cigarettes.
Yeah RingDangDo, I just got back from CVS getting a few things for the wife. It was a free for all on the milk and eggs which made me laugh a bit because I got those a few days ago. But then I got sad again when I realized I never did get a snow shovel.
Also received this City robo-message by e-mail:
With the approach of a large snow storm the City of Manassas is asking citizens to park their vehicles either in their driveways or garages, starting Friday evening 02/05/2010, giving the crews the ability to plow the roads more effectively. Crews will work diligently to clear the street and side roads however some streets may not be plowed until 36 – 48 hours after the snow event.
A SNOW EMERGENCY HAS BEEN DECLARED FOR FRIDAY, FEB. 5TH, 2010 6:00 PM. ANYBODY PARKED IN A SNOW EMERGENCY ROUTE WILL BE TOWED!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Cindy – people need to get this message via every means
possible.
My next-door neighbors insist on parking multiple vehicles perpendicular to the curb, so wish me luck with that.@cindy b
My “contest” for the day – Which will fall more and faster – the snow or
my 401K value? I’m rooting for the Polar Express.
RingDangDo, nice pic. What do you feed your bluebirds?
I found a new food that the birds like. Southern States carries it, and it’s in pellet form and called “Suet To Go”. As long as the squirrels stay out of our window feeders, the birds can enjoy it.
Poor Richard, the 401k is probably winning. I wish the cable news shows would quite dooming and glooming. The more they do, the faster the free fall. They need to stick to weather.
Censored, my squirrels would eat every last drop. They are brazen. They turned up their noses at dried corn on the cob this fall. They also get up on the screens to mate and hang on with their toe nails. TMI
PR, when you were dooming yesterday, (and you are entitled) did you remember to include the earthquake? What is going on with the earth? Too many gurgles and burps for my liking.
@Censored bybvbl
>>> What do you feed your bluebirds?
I feed them suet.
>>> As long as the squirrels stay out of our window feeders, the birds can enjoy it.
Ah! You have tree rats too! Here’s a tip…
Lightly sprinkle your bird seed with cayenne pepper. Capsaicin (the hot stuff in peppers) doesn’t affect birds – only mammals. The squirrels will be trying to drink the snow once they get a load of that! 😉
any tips on snake and turtle feeders? That seems to be all I’ve got around me…
@Juturna Are you old enough to remember the blizzard of ’78 in New England, Juturna? It happened on February 5.
Wish I were younger so I could haul out my X-country skis tomorrow! Guess shoveling will have to do. Love it!
Should you run short of TP, you can strap on your skis and backpack and run up to the store on un-plowed streets. (if the store is open, that is)
@hello
Shotgun?
“Get ready for some of the heaviest snow fall rates ever seen around here.
It will come down in buckets, and perhaps with some thunder, most of the
night.” (WaPo website)
Why yes, thunder and perhaps a dash of lightning – what fun!
Emma, I remember the blizzard of 1982 when Palm 90 went in the Potomac
and two of our then new Metro trains crashed resulting in more mayhem.
Hope we never have a snow day like than again.
I remember that–I was a junior in college in DC at the time. Remember the poor guy who jumped into the freezing water to save people?
PR, Palm 90? I think you mean Air Florida 90. I have the WaPo from that horrible day. I remember it vividly.
V V- “Palm 90” was the control tower call name for Air Florida 90.
– Arland Williams II, a passenger on the plane, was a true hero
as he kept helping other survivors to safety from the freezing river,
giving one and then another, the rescue helicopter harness. He was the last
survivor in the river, and died there before he could be rescued. He
sacrificed his life for people he didn’t even know.
(A 43 year old Federal Reserve Bank Examiner –Citadel, Class of 1957)
Yes, I do remember that blizzard. I was out of college (ahem) and back home before relocating here.. It was wicked. I’d spent a few years in Maryland and had to readjust to the weather in NE. The Civic Center collapsed just around that time, but I don’t think it was that storm that did it. My parents were at a hockey game the evening it collapsed – pretty sure it was not that storm. Now I will have to call them and get my facts……
I was here for the January 13th plane crash/metro crash. I was working downtown at 17th and Penn and lived in Falls Church. It took me just about 8 hours to get home that night it was awful. Just an awful day.
Looking out the window in Manassas, it seems like this snow show is
starting to get on the road — which means, if all possible, we should
be off of it. (As Cindy reminds folks, you can go to the Historic Manassas
website and check pictures from their water tower mounted camera).
I went outside for a bit–beautiful! And it’s perfect snow for snowballs and snowmen.
@Juturna The Civic Center collapsed in January, before the blizzard. It was a year before it could reopen.
Funny that I remember that better than I could recall what I had for breakfast this morning.
Well that was a close call regarding loss of life. My brother worked on the repair that summer.
Yes, my favorite snow cam: http://www.visitmanassas.org/camera/
Everybody be safe inside and pray for those who have to work in this!
As geographically compact as the City of Manassas is, our kids could easily have gone to school, come home and been just fine. The snow didn’t even start to stick until they would have been home. Kind of a waste.