SNOW!!!!!! Yes we are getting real snow here for the first time this Winter!!!! We have about 4 inches on the ground right now, and it is heavy, wet snow. And we had thunder sleet and thunder snow! EVERYTHING is closing, and the roads are a disaster, traffic is jammed, lots of accidents, mostly because people are driving stupid, driving too fast for conditions.....It's time like this I thank God I only live 2 miles from work and I drive a JEEP!!! This from the Washington Post....
By Ashley Halsey III
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 26, 2011; 4:52 PM
Weather radar shows every color of the winter rainbow as bands of rain, sleet and snow close in on the Washington region Wednesday afternoon, sending almost everyone - including the federal government - scampering home early in the face of warnings of up to 10 inches of snow.
What could be a relative trifle compared to last year's blizzards loomed ugly in the middle of this comparatively tranquil winter. And the process of shutting down, hurrying people home and preparing to keep roads open has consumed much of the day.
Quitting time for federal workers came two hours early, but midday traffic suggested some were departing even earlier, and with most of the region's schools already closed, some people never made it to work at all.
Forecasters said the rain and sleet was ending, and residents in western suburbs were reporting near-white-out conditions. Traffic on all of the major commuting routes out of Washington were clogged with drivers tackling the slippery ride home.
"Thundersnow is possible with rates in excess of one to two inches per hour," said Jason Samenow of the Capital Weather Gang.
With snow taking hold on highways in Northern Virginia, the Virginia Department of Transportation reported slow going, further hindered by a number of accidents.
"It's incredibly nasty," said VDOT spokesman Joan Morris. "It's going to be a long, painful rush hour. The rain overnight washed away a lot of the pre-treating we'd done, so motorists have to realize that we're stuck in the same traffic they are."
With some snow a certainty - though amounts seemed likely to differ from one place to the next - school and transportation officials looked toward Thursday, when closings and schedule changes seemed inevitable.
Airports officials urged passengers to check the status of their flights with the airlines before heading out Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The Maryland Transit Authority gave similar advice to check schedules before venturing out for trains or buses.
Highway crews prepared to shift into snow mode after several days of pre-treating the major roadways, and in Maryland, where things got snowy sooner than expected, reinforcements already had been thrown into action.
With several inches of snow expected to fall overnight, and icy patches on some residential streets already turning them into no-go zones for school buses, those school systems that hadn't already announced shutdowns for Thursday were about to. Officials in Arlington, Calvert and Charles counties and Alexandria dismissed classes early.
D.C. schools canceled all evening events and urged parents to pick up children at the regular dismissal time instead of using after-care programs. However, officials said that after-care staff would still be available to supervise kids.
The two rail lines that carry commuters to the deep suburbs - the Maryland Transit Administration and Virginia Railway Express - were fiddling with schedules. MTA canceled the 4:55 p.m. Brunswick Line .
Train 327, departing Union Station at 3:45 p.m. on the Manassas Line, will have eight cars.
MTA said that contracted commuter buses - mostly those operated by Dillon's Bus Service - would maintain normal schedules this afternoon, but additional buses would be on standby on the big routes as the federal shutdown causes an early exodus.
"It's the afternoon rush hour that could be the problem," said Joan Morris, spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Transportation. "We're going to ramp up to 2,000 trucks [in Northern Virginia] by 3 p.m. That's the most we've had out there this year."
The Maryland Highway Administration had a crew of 1,100 workers rolling along its roadways.
"Crews out treating roadways are reporting motorists driving too fast for conditions in some cases, so please remember to go slow in ice and snow," said State Highway Administrator Neil J. Pedersen.
The mere threat of ice and snow has played havoc with intercity travel. Amtrak officials were assessing their operational needs to keep trains running, but bus companies, such as Boltbus, Greyhound and Megabus, announced widespread cancellations for Wednesday and Thursday.
Dulles International, Baltimore-Washington International Marshall and Reagan National airports were all operating Wednesday, but airlines had begun to cancel flights and implement policies allowing passengers to rebook without penalties.
Domestic flights leaving after 4 p.m. could be at risk of cancellation or delays, said Rob Yingling, spokesman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which operates Dulles and National, because many of those flights are depending on arriving aircraft. International flights leaving in the afternoon and evening appear to be on schedule, Yingling said.
Snow teams were on standby to keep the runways at Dulles and National clear.
At BWI, crews have been treating and clearing the runways and planned to stay overnight to handle the incoming snow, BWI spokeswoman Lynda Warehime said.
Life on the 'fault line'
If getting to work was a sloppy, slippery prospect that crinkled more than a few fenders and took much longer than normal, getting home promised to be even less fun. The conspiracy of stuff that so often makes for winter misery is in full effect today: Road surfaces are cold enough to freeze what lands on contact; what's landing isn't fluffy white snow that's easily swept away; and the air is just warm enough to keep changing up the mix until nightfall ushers in the true cold.
This is the reoccurring fate of life on what weather forecasters call the "fault line," that invisible border between the rain that typically falls on more southern states and the snow that's more normal in the northern states. Here, the two weather cultures meet, and today is a perfect example of why that often is less than Currier-and-Ives pretty.
Computer models show the likelihood of intense snow from mid-afternoon through mid-evening, probably beginning briefly as rain. Regional radar shows an upper-level disturbance that will cause the tumult heading up from the southwest. It should arrive between by 4 p.m. from southwest to northeast.
As the storm moves north into Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and New England, it will deliver significantly more snow, just the latest in several big snowstorms that have made this winter in those areas reminiscent of the series of blizzards that the Washington region experienced last winter.
Extra crews on standby
As the storm approached, local utilities said that they had added more contract crews and staff to help grapple with the snow expected to fall through the night.
Pepco spokesman Clay Anderson said the power company had added additional crews at service center locations in Rockville and Forestville that will be on extended shifts as long as the storm lasts. Customer service staff plan to work through the night, he said said.
"We will continue to monitor the weather forecast and prepare for possible outages," he said, although no issues had arisen by midday. "We're keeping crews on standby and we'll be patrolling the area as safety allows."
Dominion Virginia spokeswoman Le-Ha Anderson said that the company had already deployed extra crews near Warrenton and Loudoun County, where the snow is expected to be the heaviest. With meteorologists expecting a sticky, wet snow, she said, the company was bracing for possible problems with downed trees and power lines.
"We expect a very heavy, wet snow that could cause some operational problems, particularly in the western region," she said.
Staff writers Jennifer Buske, Kafia A. Hosh, Annie Gowen and Katherine Shaver contributed to this report.
BUCKNACKT'S SORDID TAWDRY BLOG We should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive & well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate, bier or wein in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WHOO-HOO, WHAT A RIDE!!!!!!"
Showing posts with label dc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dc. Show all posts
10 February 2010
East Coast Survives Big Snow, Part Two 10FEB10
Click the header for the story on NPR with photo gallery.
A second major snowstorm struck the eastern U.S., paralyzing travel for millions, shutting down the U.S. capital, and forcing school closures from Virginia to New York.
A second major snowstorm struck the eastern U.S., paralyzing travel for millions, shutting down the U.S. capital, and forcing school closures from Virginia to New York.
February 10, 2010 A blizzard gripped the Northeast on Wednesday, blasting the region with winds up to 40 mph and dumping nearly a foot of fresh snow on areas still groaning from a weekend storm that broke records in the mid-Atlantic region.
The new storm shut down schools and businesses, and paralyzed transportation systems.
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings in cities from Washington, D.C., to New York. It predicted that as much as 16 inches of snow could fall in New York City, and that Philadelphia could get nearly 2 feet as the storm makes its way up the Atlantic coast. As conditions rapidly deteriorated, local officials in some areas pulled snowplows off the roads because of whiteout conditions and gale-force winds.
The current storm is expected to yield to several days of clearer weather in the mid-Atlantic, but forecasters are already warning of possible snow showers returning by Monday.
Airlines, Retailers Weigh Impact
It's hard to find anything in the history books of these types of storms back to back.
- National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen Konarik
Sales of shovels, groceries and booze mounted with the snows, but for airlines and department stores, the region's wintry weather meant millions of dollars of lost revenue.
Airports were closed from Washington to New York City, a further blow to an industry that has been forced to cancel thousands of flights in the past week.
Travelers were stopped in their tracks at airports far outside the snow zone. But the major airlines said it was too early to put a dollar figure on the storms' impact, in part because carriers typically reduce the number of available flights anyway in February.
Robert Herbst, an aviation consultant, said many customers will ask for credits toward future travel instead of refunds, which should also work in the airlines' favor.
Travel on the ground wasn't any easier. Amtrak announced it was limiting service along its Northeast Corridor.
Pileups involving 50 or more vehicles were reported on I-64 near Williamsburg, Va., and in western Pennsylvania’s Clearfield County. The crash in Pennsylvania left one motorist dead.
For shopping malls and department stores, the loss of revenue may be permanent.
Dan Hess, CEO of research firm Merchant Forecast, said a snowstorm of this magnitude can knock down sales by 10 to 25 percent for the week. When it happens in the slow months of January and February, "you don't make that business back up," he said.
Records Fall With The Snow
The latest barrage helped Baltimore and Washington eclipse all-time recorded marks for seasonal snowfall.
The previous records for snowiest winters were 62.5 inches in Baltimore in 1995-96, and 54.4 inches in Washington in 1898-99. As of Wednesday afternoon, Baltimore had 72.3 inches so far this winter and Reagan National Airport on the D.C./Virginia border had 54.9.
The National Weather Service said 12.6 inches of snow fell in parts of the Chicago area Tuesday. That total shatters the daily snowfall record for February. The last record was 8.9 inches on Feb. 9, 1885.
Philly, New York Paralyzed
In Philadelphia, Wednesday's snowfall had pushed the city past its previous winter snowfall record of 65.5 inches by early afternoon. "It's incredible," NWS meteorologist Tony Gigi told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I never would have thought I would see another '95-96. This is going to leave '95-96 in the dust — I mean, in the drifts."
The blizzard shut down the city's schools, businesses, roads and public transit.
Citing low visibility, among other conditions, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell closed major highways across the state and three interstates within Philadelphia, leaving the city of 1.5 million people with one driving choice: I-95.
Rendell said 1,100 National Guard members had been activated to patrol roads for stranded motorists.
Public transit officials halted all bus service across the city and rail lines were delayed.
Downed trees and power lines cut electricity to thousands of people, and officials said the extreme conditions could delay efforts to restore power.
Schools throughout the city and suburbs were canceled through Thursday.
Much of New York City seemed like a ghost town early Wednesday, but the financial district continued to buzz with activity. The New York Stock Exchange remained open, and workers trudged through snow and slush on Wall Street.
Alex Rosenthal, a broker at 44 Wall Street, said he waited 45 minutes for a subway in from Brooklyn, only to find that many of his colleagues didn't make it at all. "The people that live in Brooklyn, they had to come in. Long Island and Jersey, they stayed home today. Hopefully, the boss will let us out early," he said.
New York's commuter trains warned that they might have to shut down in the afternoon, and the city's 1.1 million schoolchildren had a rare snow day — only the third in six years.
Whiteout Conditions In Maryland
Baltimore officials banned all nonemergency traffic, and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley appealed to drivers to stay off the road as visibility neared zero in many areas.
"Stay at home for the duration" of the snowstorm, O'Malley said at a news conference. "We're experiencing blizzard conditions in every county in every part of Maryland."
O'Malley said there is growing concern that roofs may collapse under the weight of so much snow. The venerable Smithsonian Institution reported that part of the roof and a wall at a support center in Suitland, Md., had collapsed.
Snowfalls measured as much as 10 inches in many areas hit by the second blizzard in five days. A weekend storm had previously dumped as much as 30 inches of snow in many areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
"It's hard to find anything in the history books of these types of storms back to back," said National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen Konarik.
Road Crews Struggling
Thousands of workers along the East Coast were scrambling to plow and salt roads. Plows and salt spreaders fought heavy snow in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where the flakes briefly turned to rain to make a slushy mix. Maryland officials said salt supplies used by road crews were dwindling in some parts of the state. A spokesman for Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation said drivers' shifts were running as long as 16 hours.
"It can be exhausting, mentally and physically," said Jerry Graham, a state plow truck driver in Pennsylvania's Lehigh County.
Thousands of residents remained without power from the last storm in parts of western Pennsylvania, Maryland and other areas. Utilities said deep snow was hindering some crews trying to fix damaged power lines even before Tuesday's storm arrived.
D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said his city has spent millions on snow removal, and he has asked the federal government to help pay the mounting costs.
Federal Government Still Shut Down
In Washington, officials were tallying up the cost of the double-barreled snowstorms after the federal government shut down yet again. About 230,000 federal workers in Washington have been off since Friday afternoon, when the first storm began.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia's representative in Congress, asked President Obama to declare a federal emergency to provide funds to help the nation's capital recover.
Norton said the city does not have a state government's financial reserves to fall back on in an emergency.
The U.S. House announced it is scrapping the rest of its workweek. Several hearings and meetings in Congress and federal agencies were postponed, including one planned to address Toyota's massive recalls.
Officials estimate that the cost to U.S. taxpayers is around $100 million a day in lost productivity. But the effects of the federal government's closure are negligible because about 85 percent of federal employees work outside the Washington region. An IRS spokeswoman said tax returns should not be affected.
The National Weather Service said Wednesday that heavy snows were likely over the next few days from the Great Lakes, upper Ohio Valley, central Appalachians, northern mid-Atlantic and into the New York City metro area/southern New England region.
From NPR's Deborah Tedford, Richard Gonzales and Robert Smith, with contributions from Susan Phillips and Peter Crimmins of WHYY and material from The Associated Press
Related NPR Stories
Opinion: Not So Snowver-Blown, After All Feb. 10, 2010
Monkey See Blog: Olympic Events We Will Invent If It Keeps Snowing Feb. 10, 2010
Storm Socks Midwest, Takes Aim At Mid-Atlantic Feb. 9, 2010
A second major snowstorm struck the eastern U.S., paralyzing travel for millions, shutting down the U.S. capital, and forcing school closures from Virginia to New York.
A second major snowstorm struck the eastern U.S., paralyzing travel for millions, shutting down the U.S. capital, and forcing school closures from Virginia to New York.
February 10, 2010 A blizzard gripped the Northeast on Wednesday, blasting the region with winds up to 40 mph and dumping nearly a foot of fresh snow on areas still groaning from a weekend storm that broke records in the mid-Atlantic region.
The new storm shut down schools and businesses, and paralyzed transportation systems.
The National Weather Service issued blizzard warnings in cities from Washington, D.C., to New York. It predicted that as much as 16 inches of snow could fall in New York City, and that Philadelphia could get nearly 2 feet as the storm makes its way up the Atlantic coast. As conditions rapidly deteriorated, local officials in some areas pulled snowplows off the roads because of whiteout conditions and gale-force winds.
The current storm is expected to yield to several days of clearer weather in the mid-Atlantic, but forecasters are already warning of possible snow showers returning by Monday.
Airlines, Retailers Weigh Impact
It's hard to find anything in the history books of these types of storms back to back.
- National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen Konarik
Sales of shovels, groceries and booze mounted with the snows, but for airlines and department stores, the region's wintry weather meant millions of dollars of lost revenue.
Airports were closed from Washington to New York City, a further blow to an industry that has been forced to cancel thousands of flights in the past week.
Travelers were stopped in their tracks at airports far outside the snow zone. But the major airlines said it was too early to put a dollar figure on the storms' impact, in part because carriers typically reduce the number of available flights anyway in February.
Robert Herbst, an aviation consultant, said many customers will ask for credits toward future travel instead of refunds, which should also work in the airlines' favor.
Travel on the ground wasn't any easier. Amtrak announced it was limiting service along its Northeast Corridor.
Pileups involving 50 or more vehicles were reported on I-64 near Williamsburg, Va., and in western Pennsylvania’s Clearfield County. The crash in Pennsylvania left one motorist dead.
For shopping malls and department stores, the loss of revenue may be permanent.
Dan Hess, CEO of research firm Merchant Forecast, said a snowstorm of this magnitude can knock down sales by 10 to 25 percent for the week. When it happens in the slow months of January and February, "you don't make that business back up," he said.
Records Fall With The Snow
The latest barrage helped Baltimore and Washington eclipse all-time recorded marks for seasonal snowfall.
The previous records for snowiest winters were 62.5 inches in Baltimore in 1995-96, and 54.4 inches in Washington in 1898-99. As of Wednesday afternoon, Baltimore had 72.3 inches so far this winter and Reagan National Airport on the D.C./Virginia border had 54.9.
The National Weather Service said 12.6 inches of snow fell in parts of the Chicago area Tuesday. That total shatters the daily snowfall record for February. The last record was 8.9 inches on Feb. 9, 1885.
Philly, New York Paralyzed
In Philadelphia, Wednesday's snowfall had pushed the city past its previous winter snowfall record of 65.5 inches by early afternoon. "It's incredible," NWS meteorologist Tony Gigi told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I never would have thought I would see another '95-96. This is going to leave '95-96 in the dust — I mean, in the drifts."
The blizzard shut down the city's schools, businesses, roads and public transit.
Citing low visibility, among other conditions, Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell closed major highways across the state and three interstates within Philadelphia, leaving the city of 1.5 million people with one driving choice: I-95.
Rendell said 1,100 National Guard members had been activated to patrol roads for stranded motorists.
Public transit officials halted all bus service across the city and rail lines were delayed.
Downed trees and power lines cut electricity to thousands of people, and officials said the extreme conditions could delay efforts to restore power.
Schools throughout the city and suburbs were canceled through Thursday.
Much of New York City seemed like a ghost town early Wednesday, but the financial district continued to buzz with activity. The New York Stock Exchange remained open, and workers trudged through snow and slush on Wall Street.
Alex Rosenthal, a broker at 44 Wall Street, said he waited 45 minutes for a subway in from Brooklyn, only to find that many of his colleagues didn't make it at all. "The people that live in Brooklyn, they had to come in. Long Island and Jersey, they stayed home today. Hopefully, the boss will let us out early," he said.
New York's commuter trains warned that they might have to shut down in the afternoon, and the city's 1.1 million schoolchildren had a rare snow day — only the third in six years.
Whiteout Conditions In Maryland
Baltimore officials banned all nonemergency traffic, and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley appealed to drivers to stay off the road as visibility neared zero in many areas.
"Stay at home for the duration" of the snowstorm, O'Malley said at a news conference. "We're experiencing blizzard conditions in every county in every part of Maryland."
O'Malley said there is growing concern that roofs may collapse under the weight of so much snow. The venerable Smithsonian Institution reported that part of the roof and a wall at a support center in Suitland, Md., had collapsed.
Snowfalls measured as much as 10 inches in many areas hit by the second blizzard in five days. A weekend storm had previously dumped as much as 30 inches of snow in many areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
"It's hard to find anything in the history books of these types of storms back to back," said National Weather Service meteorologist Stephen Konarik.
Road Crews Struggling
Thousands of workers along the East Coast were scrambling to plow and salt roads. Plows and salt spreaders fought heavy snow in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where the flakes briefly turned to rain to make a slushy mix. Maryland officials said salt supplies used by road crews were dwindling in some parts of the state. A spokesman for Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation said drivers' shifts were running as long as 16 hours.
"It can be exhausting, mentally and physically," said Jerry Graham, a state plow truck driver in Pennsylvania's Lehigh County.
Thousands of residents remained without power from the last storm in parts of western Pennsylvania, Maryland and other areas. Utilities said deep snow was hindering some crews trying to fix damaged power lines even before Tuesday's storm arrived.
D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said his city has spent millions on snow removal, and he has asked the federal government to help pay the mounting costs.
Federal Government Still Shut Down
In Washington, officials were tallying up the cost of the double-barreled snowstorms after the federal government shut down yet again. About 230,000 federal workers in Washington have been off since Friday afternoon, when the first storm began.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia's representative in Congress, asked President Obama to declare a federal emergency to provide funds to help the nation's capital recover.
Norton said the city does not have a state government's financial reserves to fall back on in an emergency.
The U.S. House announced it is scrapping the rest of its workweek. Several hearings and meetings in Congress and federal agencies were postponed, including one planned to address Toyota's massive recalls.
Officials estimate that the cost to U.S. taxpayers is around $100 million a day in lost productivity. But the effects of the federal government's closure are negligible because about 85 percent of federal employees work outside the Washington region. An IRS spokeswoman said tax returns should not be affected.
The National Weather Service said Wednesday that heavy snows were likely over the next few days from the Great Lakes, upper Ohio Valley, central Appalachians, northern mid-Atlantic and into the New York City metro area/southern New England region.
From NPR's Deborah Tedford, Richard Gonzales and Robert Smith, with contributions from Susan Phillips and Peter Crimmins of WHYY and material from The Associated Press
Related NPR Stories
Opinion: Not So Snowver-Blown, After All Feb. 10, 2010
Monkey See Blog: Olympic Events We Will Invent If It Keeps Snowing Feb. 10, 2010
Storm Socks Midwest, Takes Aim At Mid-Atlantic Feb. 9, 2010
USWX WEATHER AND FORCAST FOR HERNDON, VA 1148 10FEB10
Herndon, VA
8:02pm EST - 1:02am GMT Current Conditions
Observation for Washington DC, VA (KIAD) as of 7:52pm EST (10 min ago)Temperature 25 °F -4 °C
Dew Point 19 °F -7 °C
Humidity 78%
Pressure 29.53 in 1000 mb
Wind Speed 23 MPH
G 33 20 kts
G 29
Wind Dir NW 310°
Ceiling 5500 ft 1676 m
Visibility 2 mi 3.2 km
Wind Chill 10 °F -12 °C Temp | 24 Max | 24 Min | Dew Point | Pressure | Feels Like
Current Conditions Light Snow,Blowing Snow
Remarks Peak Wind: 34 kts from 300 (00:21 GMT).
Trace precipitation last hour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 hour min temperature ending 6:52pm EST : 19.9°F / -6.7°C
Severe Weather Statements
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Type Issue Time Expire Time Expires In
Special Weather Statement Wed, Feb 10, 5:05pm EST Wed, Feb 10, 11:15pm EST 3 hrs, 12 mins
Special Weather Statement Wed, Feb 10, 7:57pm EST Thu, Feb 11, 2:00am EST 5 hrs, 57 mins
Expire Statement Wed, Feb 10, 7:20pm EST Wed, Feb 10, 8:30pm EST 27 mins
National Weather Service Forecast
Right Now Issued 6:00pm EST -- Wed, Feb 10, 2010
Blizzard warning in effect until 7 pm est this evening. Intermittent light snow will continue across the western washington suburbs through 900 pm est. Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph are expected. This will produce considerable blowing and drifting of snow. Visibilities in falling snow and blowing snow will be reduced to less than one quarter of a mile at times. Temperatures will be in the 20s this evening.
Seven Day Forecast Issued 7:00pm EST -- Wed, Feb 10, 2010
Tonight Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow this evening. Areas of blowing snow this evening. Windy with lows around 18. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Chance of snow 50 percent.
Thursday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Thursday night Mostly clear. Lows around 18. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Friday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Friday night Partly cloudy. Lows around 19. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Saturday night Mostly clear. Lows around 15.
Sunday Sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Sunday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Presidents day Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow and rain. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Monday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Tuesday Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
Tuesday night Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.
Wednesday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
8:02pm EST - 1:02am GMT Current Conditions
Observation for Washington DC, VA (KIAD) as of 7:52pm EST (10 min ago)Temperature 25 °F -4 °C
Dew Point 19 °F -7 °C
Humidity 78%
Pressure 29.53 in 1000 mb
Wind Speed 23 MPH
G 33 20 kts
G 29
Wind Dir NW 310°
Ceiling 5500 ft 1676 m
Visibility 2 mi 3.2 km
Wind Chill 10 °F -12 °C Temp | 24 Max | 24 Min | Dew Point | Pressure | Feels Like
Current Conditions Light Snow,Blowing Snow
Remarks Peak Wind: 34 kts from 300 (00:21 GMT).
Trace precipitation last hour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 hour min temperature ending 6:52pm EST : 19.9°F / -6.7°C
Severe Weather Statements
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Type Issue Time Expire Time Expires In
Special Weather Statement Wed, Feb 10, 5:05pm EST Wed, Feb 10, 11:15pm EST 3 hrs, 12 mins
Special Weather Statement Wed, Feb 10, 7:57pm EST Thu, Feb 11, 2:00am EST 5 hrs, 57 mins
Expire Statement Wed, Feb 10, 7:20pm EST Wed, Feb 10, 8:30pm EST 27 mins
National Weather Service Forecast
Right Now Issued 6:00pm EST -- Wed, Feb 10, 2010
Blizzard warning in effect until 7 pm est this evening. Intermittent light snow will continue across the western washington suburbs through 900 pm est. Northwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph are expected. This will produce considerable blowing and drifting of snow. Visibilities in falling snow and blowing snow will be reduced to less than one quarter of a mile at times. Temperatures will be in the 20s this evening.
Seven Day Forecast Issued 7:00pm EST -- Wed, Feb 10, 2010
Tonight Mostly cloudy. A chance of snow this evening. Areas of blowing snow this evening. Windy with lows around 18. Northwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. Chance of snow 50 percent.
Thursday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Thursday night Mostly clear. Lows around 18. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Friday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph.
Friday night Partly cloudy. Lows around 19. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Saturday night Mostly clear. Lows around 15.
Sunday Sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Sunday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Presidents day Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow and rain. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 50 percent.
Monday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Tuesday Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
Tuesday night Partly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.
Wednesday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 40s.
Storm to depart, takes century-old record along 10FEB10
Posted at 04:05 PM ET, 02/10/2010
Storm to depart, takes century-old record along
Second blizzard in days sets seasonal snow record
* Federal government closed Thursday: Federal Eye *
* Snowiest winter ever | Today's Q&A | NWS: Stay off the roads *
* Blizzard Warning until 10 p.m. area-wide (map) | NWS snow totals *
* Making history? | Watch out for ice dams | Top 5 driving hazards *
* Yesterday's Q&A | Snowmageddon's incredible output *
* Power outage maps for Dominion Electric | Pepco | BG&E | SMECO *
* Outside now? Radar, temps & more: Weather Wall *
* News, traffic & storm coverage: Local home page | Get There *
Graphic by Washington Post.It's not often we witness a 100-year-plus record fall. Perhaps it's fitting it went out in such extreme fashion today. As reported here earlier, National Airport's preliminary (2 p.m.) snow total of 54.9" for the 2009-2010 winter thus far puts D.C. above the previous high mark of 54.4" set way back in 1898-1899. Baltimore has also broken its all-time record with this event.
Snow will gradually diminish through early evening as the precipitation shield slowly drifts to the north and east, but strong winds gusting to around 50 mph will continue through the evening causing ground blizzard conditions and drifting snow.
Through tonight: Any leftover snow departs this evening and skies clear. Winds remain strong, gusting past 50 mph early and easing just a bit late. Temperatures range from the low-to-upper teens for lows.
Tomorrow (Thursday): Unlike the dig out from Snowmageddon's wet snow, this one will present challenges from drifting. Strong winds continue for much of the day with gusts past 30 mph at times before diminishing late. Sunshine returns with highs probably near or a smidge above freezing in the low-and-mid 30s.
Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 02/10/2010
It's history: Winter 2009-2010 snowiest on record
Records set at National, Dulles, and BWI Airports
*** Latest update: Winds, blowing snow still in high gear ***
Post updated at 3:15
Reagan National Airport (DCA) reported 1" of snow between 1 and 2 p.m., upping its storm total to 9.8". It has received 54.9" this year, exceeding the 54.4" of 1898-1899.
Keep reading for the full statement from the National Weather Service on the snow record not only DCA but also at Dulles and BWI...
Posted at 01:40 PM ET, 02/10/2010
Uncle!... Winds, blowing snow still in high gear
Closing in on D.C.'s snowiest winter on record
West and south of the Beltway, the snow has become mainly light. But moderate to sometimes heavy snow has hung on inside the Beltway and to the north. Even as the snow gradually tapers from southwest to northeast between now and early evening -- another 1-3" is possible in places, especially north and east -- the winds will not let up. In fact, they may even get a bit stronger. Expect sustained winds at 20-30 mph with gusts to near 50 mph possible, leading to the potential for snow drifts of 2-4 feet, and up to 5 feet north and east of town.
Bottom line, we are a long ways from the end of this storm's impacts, and power outages will in all likelihood start to mount as the winds take their toll.
Total storm accumulations as of late morning were around the 5-10" range (and counting) for the immediate metro area, with 10-15" common in Frederick County and Baltimore. The 8.7" recorded at Reagan National Airport at 1 p.m. was less than an inch away from making this winter the snowiest on record. The current No. 1 was 54.4" in 1898-1899.
The NAM model shows an intense area of upper-level energy swings through this morning. How did this happen? The explosion of heavy snow today resulted from the interaction of a monstrous piece of upper-level energy (which came through fairly similar to the way the models were showing earlier in the week) with an intensifying area of low pressure moving up the Atlantic coast.
Had the coastal low pressure formed too far north or moved too quickly toward and north of our latitude, the upper-level energy may not have caught up to it in time to squeeze out the intense rates of snow we've seen. But this is the winter of 2009-2010, in which everything seems to work out just right for heavy snow almost every time.
Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Blizzard continues: Snow piles up, winds rage
Snow decreasing southwest of Fairfax County
We are living through some of the most extreme winter weather we'll ever experience in the metro region this morning. Heavy snow, winds exceeding 40 mph, and true whiteout conditions have paralyzed the entire region and steady snow will continue for a couple more hours or so (longer north and east of the District). Blizzard warnings span northern Virginia, the District and the entire state of Maryland. With the falling snow and wind, temperatures have plummeted into the low 20s with wind chills in the single digits.
Steady, wind-driven snow continues through much of the area though the snow is decreasing in coverage and intensity south of Fairfax County and Loudoun County. As the powerful storm off the Delmarva peninsula lifts northward, the snow will slowly diminish from southwest to northeast this afternoon. But even as the snow tapers off, blowing and drifting snow is possible through the day.
Snowfall totals so far for the storm have generally been from 7-9 inches in the immediate metro area, with some higher amounts to the north and northeast. Though we don't have an official total for DCA, the snow from this storm is surely bringing its seasonal total close to that of 1898-1899 (54.4"), the snowiest winter on record.
As the National Weather Service advised earlier, please stay off the roads in these dangerous conditions.
Posted at 09:31 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Weather Service: Don't drive in this...
Wind gusts around 40 mph common
* Latest update: Blizzard Warning for entire region *
Special Statement from National Weather Service....
...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS THIS MORNING FOR THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON REGION...THE EASTERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA...
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THIS MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON. LIFE THREATENING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS HAVE DEVELOPED RAPIDLY ACROSS THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON REGION THIS MORNING.
AT 7:27 AM THIS MORNING...A WIND GUST WAS RECORDED TO 60 MPH AT MANASSAS VIRGINIA. NUMEROUS WIND GUSTS OVER 40 MPH HAVE OBSERVED AROUND THE REGION ALONG WITH WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS.
IF YOU GET STRANDED IN YOUR VEHICLE...DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR TO TRY TO WALK FOR ASSISTANCE...YOU CAN QUICKLY BECOME DISORIENTED IN WIND DRIVEN SNOW AND COLD. THIS STORM WILL SUBSIDE EARLY THIS EVENING...SO WAIT IN YOUR CAR FOR EMERGENCY HELP TO ARRIVE. PERIODICALLY RUN YOUR ENGINE FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES EACH HOUR FOR HEAT. ENSURE YOUR EXHAUST PIPE IS CLEARED OF SNOW AND ICE. CRACK YOUR WINDOWS TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. TIE A COLORED CLOTH TO YOUR CARS ANTENNA TO BE VISIBLE TO RESCUERS. FROM TIME- TO-TIME...MOVE YOUR ARMS...LEGS...FINGERS...AND TOES TO KEEP BLOOD CIRCULATING.
Here are some other wind gusts reported from the around the region in the last several hours (updated at 10:30):
Dulles 44
Reagan 32
Ft. Belvoir 43
Andrews Air Force Base 25
Quantico 38
Stafford 29
Manassas 26
Leesburg 38
Gaithersburg 32
BWI 38
Patuxent River 48
Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Alert: Blizzard warning for entire metro region
Snow has developed explosively this morning as an intense upper level wave passing through the region interacts with a rapidly deepening (or bombing) storm off the Md./De. coast. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2" an hour have been common and may continue for several more hours (longer to the northeast). Winds are starting to pick-up and will increase, creating blizzard conditions. The combination of snow and wind is occasionally reducing visibilities to 1/4 of a mile or less. Stay off the roads unless travel is essential.
Later this morning, the snow should lighten in intensity and become more intermittent especially as you head southwest of the District. The snow should taper to flurries between mid-afternoon and early evening from southwest (Fauquier County) to northeast (Anne Arundel County). Even as the snow diminishes, winds will continue to increase, with gusts exceeding 40 mph causing blowing and drifting snow. Power outages, unfortunately, are a strong possibility.
Our next update will be between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Refer to Dan Stillman's post from earlier for the forecast for tonight and beyond.
Posted at 05:10 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Risky recipe: Snow, ice, snow, then wind
* Winter Storm Warning for entire metro area
It started with around 2 to 5 inches of snow yesterday evening. Then, the late evening and overnight brought a period of sleet and freezing rain. Now, the entire metro area is changing back to snow and should stay that way through much of today. All this would be trouble enough on top of the 1.5 to nearly 3 feet of snow over the weekend. But add increasingly strong and gusty winds, and you have a perfect recipe for impassable streets, limited transit and power failures.
The snow: Any areas still seeing sleet or and/or freezing rain should turn over to all snow soon. Snow will be moderate to heavy at times through midday before tapering in the mid-to-late afternoon. Additional accumulations of around 3-6" inches are likely for downtown and points south and west (probably the lower end of the range as you head southwest from D.C.), with around 4-8" expected north and east of the city. That's on top of the 2-5" that's already fallen in much of the metro area, with 5-8" already recorded once you get toward Baltimore.
The winds: Probably the most severe of today's conditions will be increasingly strong winds, which will really start to crank up by around late morning. Sustained winds should reach 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph. That means blizzard or near-blizzard conditions are possible. Widespread power outages are a serious threat considering the combination of the wind and the snow and ice already weighing down trees and power lines.
AFTER THE SNOW
Tonight & Tomorrow: As the storm heads northeast into New England, the winds here tonight stay strong -- sustained at 20-30 mph with higher gusts -- as lows bottom in the low-to-mid 20s. Still blustery tomorrow with partly sunny skies, highs in the mid-30s, and winds sustained around 15-25 mph with gusts to near 35 mph before decreasing in the afternoon or evening.
Friday & beyond: Partly to mostly sunny Friday, Saturday and into Sunday with highs in the 30s and morning lows in the teens to near 20. The two caveats, however, are that we still have to keep an eye on a coastal storm for early in the weekend. For now it looks like it will stay south and out to sea, but that's not a done deal yet. And by late Sunday or Monday, an area of snow could be approaching from the west courtesy a clipper system originating in Canada. For now, there's not much confidence in whether this system will materialize and how strong it would be. We'll keep you posted. -Updated: Wed. Feb. 10 @ 2 p.m.
Posted at 11:10 PM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Double whammy: First snow, then gusty winds
Wintry mix in some places for now, turning to all snow
The snow has already piled up quickly this evening -- 3 to 4 inches in many metro area locations -- and there's more to come. There have been reports of sleet and even some freezing rain mixing in, especially downtown and south and east of the District. Sleet and freezing rain will likely continue to be part of the mix for the next few hours, and longer for areas to the south like Fredericksburg and Southern Maryland, but for the immediate area the bulk of this storm looks to be primarily snow once we get into the overnight and tomorrow.
CWG team snowfall forecast for Tues.-Wed. Confidence: Medium-High.While precipitation may be mixed and on the light side for the next several hours, snow will likely pick up again before sunrise and through the rest of the morning (as low pressure moving up the coast intensifies), before letting up at some point during the afternoon. We still expect final accumulations as depicted in the map to the right -- anywhere from around 6" to 16" depending on where you are in the metro area, with the highest amounts expected north and east of D.C. toward Baltimore.
Despite the potentially impressive snow accumulations, tomorrow's winds may turn out to be the biggest story of the storm. We expect sustained winds to increase during the day to 20-30 mph with gusts in the 40-50 mph range. Significant power outages seem likely, and blizzard warnings could be issued. From the National Weather Service...
AS STORM CRANKS UP OFF THE COAST...WINDS WILL QUICKLY INCREASE. GUSTS TO 45 MPH MAY AFFECT THE ENTIRE CWA ON WEDNESDAY. THESE WINDS WILL PROMOTE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...AND WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES NEAR ONE QUARTER MILE AT TIMES WEDNESDAY. THE RESULT WILL BE NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AND AN UPGRADE OF HEADLINES AT LEAST ALONG THE WASHINGTON-BALTIMORE CORRIDOR MAY BECOME NECESSARY ON WEDNESDAY TO ADDRESS THESE CONDITIONS.
Another note: While it's not offficial yet, Reagan National has almost certainly recorded enough snow already this evening to make the winter of 2009-2010 the second snowiest on record, and while it may be a close call, the No. 1 spot is within reach. See our "Making History?" post for all the relevant statistics on D.C.'s run at snowiest winter.
Posted at 07:15 PM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Snow sticking, intensity increasing
Snow has rapidly developed over the region over the last several hours and is sticking everywhere. Anywhere from a heavy coating to 1-2" (highest amounts south and to the northwest) has already accumulated throughout the area. Moderate to sometimes heavy snow will continue for the next several hours. South and east of town, some sleet may mix-in, but the predominant precipitation type should be snow.
Radar does indicate that snow decreases in coverage and intensity to the west and southwest of Fairfax County, but there are indications that may fill-in, keeping the snow going...even if it lightens in intensity or becomes more intermittent. The steadiest and heaviest snow will likely fall along I-95 and to the north and northeast of the District. By 11 p.m. -- the time of our next update -- most spots in the metro region should have 2-4" or so of new snow on the ground.
Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Snoverkill beginning to arrive
Winds pick up tonight, gust to around 50 mph on Wed.
Snow is a bit delayed but it will not be denied and neither will the big winds of Snoverkill. The storm's effects will begin to be felt across the area through evening as precipitation breaks out. Some sleet is possible early as far north as the entire D.C. metro before everyone goes back over to all snow during the late evening or overnight. The heaviest snow of Snoverkill looks to come during the early-morning through midday tomorrow as winds increase, causing near-blizzard conditions throughout the day.
Through tonight: Snow and sleet showers developing this evening consolidate into a general area of light to moderate snow into the night. Some mix is possible across much of the area early, still favoring D.C. and southeast, but we should flip over to snow within a short window around midnight. There may be some lulls in activity late with snowfall rates picking up again near sunrise. Lows range from 20 to 25 with winds increasing by morning.
Tomorrow (Wednesday): Snow and blowing snow is the big story of the morning and very strong winds tell the tale of the afternoon. We should see a band of moderate to heavy snow swing through the area through midday before precipitation tapers late. Winds increase throughout the day and gust as high as 50 mph during the afternoon, causing reduced visibilities, drifting of snow and power outages. Highs should rise to the upper 20s and around 30.
Tomorrow night: Any lingering evening flurries or snow showers should depart early. Skies clear thereafter and winds slowly diminish, but still gust to around 35 mph. Lows mainly in the low-and-mid 20s.
Total accumulations: We still expect accumulations to range from 6-10" across much of the area with a band of higher snow totals ranging from 8-16" focused on the northern portion and northeast. The highest accumulation potential is up toward Baltimore and northeast.
Posted at 11:05 AM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Next storm closes in; no change in forecast
Snoverkill's worst impacts expected tonight & tomorrow
2:10 p.m. Update: Radar is still pretty quiet around the region. However, precipitation should blossom by late afternoon or evening. As we mentioned earlier, any precipitation through afternoon should be on the light side and looks to be scattered, with not much accumulation until after sunset. Next full update between 3 and 4 p.m.
We know there are some widely divergent accumulation forecasts out there, and depending on where you are in the metro area. But as of the latest information coming in this morning, we are staying pat with our forecast of 6" to 16" for the metro area (see our accumulation map to see what part of that range applies to your location). We expect the highest amounts to be north and east of D.C. toward Baltimore.
Now through tomorrow: We still expect snow, or a snow/sleet mix for D.C. and points south and east, to begin from southwest to northeast over the next several hours. But precipitation should be on the light side to start, possibly moderate at times, and may be scattered, so accumulation by sunset should be around an inch or less. The heaviest precipitation is expected this evening through tomorrow morning, and may not taper until later in the afternoon. Strong winds tomorrow are likely to down trees and power lines, so widespread power outages are quite possible.
Uncertainties: The models we use to help guide our forecasts are not in as much agreement as for the last storm. With that in mind, there's still some uncertainty to the forecast. Here are our accumulation probabilities as they stand now:
25%: Less than 6"
35%: 6-10"
30%: 10-16"
10%: 16"+
(Again, accumulations are likely to be toward the higher end north and east of D.C. and lower south and west.)
Storm to depart, takes century-old record along
Second blizzard in days sets seasonal snow record
* Federal government closed Thursday: Federal Eye *
* Snowiest winter ever | Today's Q&A | NWS: Stay off the roads *
* Blizzard Warning until 10 p.m. area-wide (map) | NWS snow totals *
* Making history? | Watch out for ice dams | Top 5 driving hazards *
* Yesterday's Q&A | Snowmageddon's incredible output *
* Power outage maps for Dominion Electric | Pepco | BG&E | SMECO *
* Outside now? Radar, temps & more: Weather Wall *
* News, traffic & storm coverage: Local home page | Get There *
Graphic by Washington Post.It's not often we witness a 100-year-plus record fall. Perhaps it's fitting it went out in such extreme fashion today. As reported here earlier, National Airport's preliminary (2 p.m.) snow total of 54.9" for the 2009-2010 winter thus far puts D.C. above the previous high mark of 54.4" set way back in 1898-1899. Baltimore has also broken its all-time record with this event.
Snow will gradually diminish through early evening as the precipitation shield slowly drifts to the north and east, but strong winds gusting to around 50 mph will continue through the evening causing ground blizzard conditions and drifting snow.
Through tonight: Any leftover snow departs this evening and skies clear. Winds remain strong, gusting past 50 mph early and easing just a bit late. Temperatures range from the low-to-upper teens for lows.
Tomorrow (Thursday): Unlike the dig out from Snowmageddon's wet snow, this one will present challenges from drifting. Strong winds continue for much of the day with gusts past 30 mph at times before diminishing late. Sunshine returns with highs probably near or a smidge above freezing in the low-and-mid 30s.
Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 02/10/2010
It's history: Winter 2009-2010 snowiest on record
Records set at National, Dulles, and BWI Airports
*** Latest update: Winds, blowing snow still in high gear ***
Post updated at 3:15
Reagan National Airport (DCA) reported 1" of snow between 1 and 2 p.m., upping its storm total to 9.8". It has received 54.9" this year, exceeding the 54.4" of 1898-1899.
Keep reading for the full statement from the National Weather Service on the snow record not only DCA but also at Dulles and BWI...
Posted at 01:40 PM ET, 02/10/2010
Uncle!... Winds, blowing snow still in high gear
Closing in on D.C.'s snowiest winter on record
West and south of the Beltway, the snow has become mainly light. But moderate to sometimes heavy snow has hung on inside the Beltway and to the north. Even as the snow gradually tapers from southwest to northeast between now and early evening -- another 1-3" is possible in places, especially north and east -- the winds will not let up. In fact, they may even get a bit stronger. Expect sustained winds at 20-30 mph with gusts to near 50 mph possible, leading to the potential for snow drifts of 2-4 feet, and up to 5 feet north and east of town.
Bottom line, we are a long ways from the end of this storm's impacts, and power outages will in all likelihood start to mount as the winds take their toll.
Total storm accumulations as of late morning were around the 5-10" range (and counting) for the immediate metro area, with 10-15" common in Frederick County and Baltimore. The 8.7" recorded at Reagan National Airport at 1 p.m. was less than an inch away from making this winter the snowiest on record. The current No. 1 was 54.4" in 1898-1899.
The NAM model shows an intense area of upper-level energy swings through this morning. How did this happen? The explosion of heavy snow today resulted from the interaction of a monstrous piece of upper-level energy (which came through fairly similar to the way the models were showing earlier in the week) with an intensifying area of low pressure moving up the Atlantic coast.
Had the coastal low pressure formed too far north or moved too quickly toward and north of our latitude, the upper-level energy may not have caught up to it in time to squeeze out the intense rates of snow we've seen. But this is the winter of 2009-2010, in which everything seems to work out just right for heavy snow almost every time.
Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Blizzard continues: Snow piles up, winds rage
Snow decreasing southwest of Fairfax County
We are living through some of the most extreme winter weather we'll ever experience in the metro region this morning. Heavy snow, winds exceeding 40 mph, and true whiteout conditions have paralyzed the entire region and steady snow will continue for a couple more hours or so (longer north and east of the District). Blizzard warnings span northern Virginia, the District and the entire state of Maryland. With the falling snow and wind, temperatures have plummeted into the low 20s with wind chills in the single digits.
Steady, wind-driven snow continues through much of the area though the snow is decreasing in coverage and intensity south of Fairfax County and Loudoun County. As the powerful storm off the Delmarva peninsula lifts northward, the snow will slowly diminish from southwest to northeast this afternoon. But even as the snow tapers off, blowing and drifting snow is possible through the day.
Snowfall totals so far for the storm have generally been from 7-9 inches in the immediate metro area, with some higher amounts to the north and northeast. Though we don't have an official total for DCA, the snow from this storm is surely bringing its seasonal total close to that of 1898-1899 (54.4"), the snowiest winter on record.
As the National Weather Service advised earlier, please stay off the roads in these dangerous conditions.
Posted at 09:31 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Weather Service: Don't drive in this...
Wind gusts around 40 mph common
* Latest update: Blizzard Warning for entire region *
Special Statement from National Weather Service....
...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS THIS MORNING FOR THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON REGION...THE EASTERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA...
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THIS MORNING AND EARLY AFTERNOON. LIFE THREATENING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS HAVE DEVELOPED RAPIDLY ACROSS THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON REGION THIS MORNING.
AT 7:27 AM THIS MORNING...A WIND GUST WAS RECORDED TO 60 MPH AT MANASSAS VIRGINIA. NUMEROUS WIND GUSTS OVER 40 MPH HAVE OBSERVED AROUND THE REGION ALONG WITH WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS.
IF YOU GET STRANDED IN YOUR VEHICLE...DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR TO TRY TO WALK FOR ASSISTANCE...YOU CAN QUICKLY BECOME DISORIENTED IN WIND DRIVEN SNOW AND COLD. THIS STORM WILL SUBSIDE EARLY THIS EVENING...SO WAIT IN YOUR CAR FOR EMERGENCY HELP TO ARRIVE. PERIODICALLY RUN YOUR ENGINE FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES EACH HOUR FOR HEAT. ENSURE YOUR EXHAUST PIPE IS CLEARED OF SNOW AND ICE. CRACK YOUR WINDOWS TO AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. TIE A COLORED CLOTH TO YOUR CARS ANTENNA TO BE VISIBLE TO RESCUERS. FROM TIME- TO-TIME...MOVE YOUR ARMS...LEGS...FINGERS...AND TOES TO KEEP BLOOD CIRCULATING.
Here are some other wind gusts reported from the around the region in the last several hours (updated at 10:30):
Dulles 44
Reagan 32
Ft. Belvoir 43
Andrews Air Force Base 25
Quantico 38
Stafford 29
Manassas 26
Leesburg 38
Gaithersburg 32
BWI 38
Patuxent River 48
Posted at 08:00 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Alert: Blizzard warning for entire metro region
Snow has developed explosively this morning as an intense upper level wave passing through the region interacts with a rapidly deepening (or bombing) storm off the Md./De. coast. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2" an hour have been common and may continue for several more hours (longer to the northeast). Winds are starting to pick-up and will increase, creating blizzard conditions. The combination of snow and wind is occasionally reducing visibilities to 1/4 of a mile or less. Stay off the roads unless travel is essential.
Later this morning, the snow should lighten in intensity and become more intermittent especially as you head southwest of the District. The snow should taper to flurries between mid-afternoon and early evening from southwest (Fauquier County) to northeast (Anne Arundel County). Even as the snow diminishes, winds will continue to increase, with gusts exceeding 40 mph causing blowing and drifting snow. Power outages, unfortunately, are a strong possibility.
Our next update will be between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Refer to Dan Stillman's post from earlier for the forecast for tonight and beyond.
Posted at 05:10 AM ET, 02/10/2010
Risky recipe: Snow, ice, snow, then wind
* Winter Storm Warning for entire metro area
It started with around 2 to 5 inches of snow yesterday evening. Then, the late evening and overnight brought a period of sleet and freezing rain. Now, the entire metro area is changing back to snow and should stay that way through much of today. All this would be trouble enough on top of the 1.5 to nearly 3 feet of snow over the weekend. But add increasingly strong and gusty winds, and you have a perfect recipe for impassable streets, limited transit and power failures.
The snow: Any areas still seeing sleet or and/or freezing rain should turn over to all snow soon. Snow will be moderate to heavy at times through midday before tapering in the mid-to-late afternoon. Additional accumulations of around 3-6" inches are likely for downtown and points south and west (probably the lower end of the range as you head southwest from D.C.), with around 4-8" expected north and east of the city. That's on top of the 2-5" that's already fallen in much of the metro area, with 5-8" already recorded once you get toward Baltimore.
The winds: Probably the most severe of today's conditions will be increasingly strong winds, which will really start to crank up by around late morning. Sustained winds should reach 20-30 mph with gusts of 40-50 mph. That means blizzard or near-blizzard conditions are possible. Widespread power outages are a serious threat considering the combination of the wind and the snow and ice already weighing down trees and power lines.
AFTER THE SNOW
Tonight & Tomorrow: As the storm heads northeast into New England, the winds here tonight stay strong -- sustained at 20-30 mph with higher gusts -- as lows bottom in the low-to-mid 20s. Still blustery tomorrow with partly sunny skies, highs in the mid-30s, and winds sustained around 15-25 mph with gusts to near 35 mph before decreasing in the afternoon or evening.
Friday & beyond: Partly to mostly sunny Friday, Saturday and into Sunday with highs in the 30s and morning lows in the teens to near 20. The two caveats, however, are that we still have to keep an eye on a coastal storm for early in the weekend. For now it looks like it will stay south and out to sea, but that's not a done deal yet. And by late Sunday or Monday, an area of snow could be approaching from the west courtesy a clipper system originating in Canada. For now, there's not much confidence in whether this system will materialize and how strong it would be. We'll keep you posted. -Updated: Wed. Feb. 10 @ 2 p.m.
Posted at 11:10 PM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Double whammy: First snow, then gusty winds
Wintry mix in some places for now, turning to all snow
The snow has already piled up quickly this evening -- 3 to 4 inches in many metro area locations -- and there's more to come. There have been reports of sleet and even some freezing rain mixing in, especially downtown and south and east of the District. Sleet and freezing rain will likely continue to be part of the mix for the next few hours, and longer for areas to the south like Fredericksburg and Southern Maryland, but for the immediate area the bulk of this storm looks to be primarily snow once we get into the overnight and tomorrow.
CWG team snowfall forecast for Tues.-Wed. Confidence: Medium-High.While precipitation may be mixed and on the light side for the next several hours, snow will likely pick up again before sunrise and through the rest of the morning (as low pressure moving up the coast intensifies), before letting up at some point during the afternoon. We still expect final accumulations as depicted in the map to the right -- anywhere from around 6" to 16" depending on where you are in the metro area, with the highest amounts expected north and east of D.C. toward Baltimore.
Despite the potentially impressive snow accumulations, tomorrow's winds may turn out to be the biggest story of the storm. We expect sustained winds to increase during the day to 20-30 mph with gusts in the 40-50 mph range. Significant power outages seem likely, and blizzard warnings could be issued. From the National Weather Service...
AS STORM CRANKS UP OFF THE COAST...WINDS WILL QUICKLY INCREASE. GUSTS TO 45 MPH MAY AFFECT THE ENTIRE CWA ON WEDNESDAY. THESE WINDS WILL PROMOTE BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW...AND WILL REDUCE VISIBILITIES NEAR ONE QUARTER MILE AT TIMES WEDNESDAY. THE RESULT WILL BE NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS AND AN UPGRADE OF HEADLINES AT LEAST ALONG THE WASHINGTON-BALTIMORE CORRIDOR MAY BECOME NECESSARY ON WEDNESDAY TO ADDRESS THESE CONDITIONS.
Another note: While it's not offficial yet, Reagan National has almost certainly recorded enough snow already this evening to make the winter of 2009-2010 the second snowiest on record, and while it may be a close call, the No. 1 spot is within reach. See our "Making History?" post for all the relevant statistics on D.C.'s run at snowiest winter.
Posted at 07:15 PM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Snow sticking, intensity increasing
Snow has rapidly developed over the region over the last several hours and is sticking everywhere. Anywhere from a heavy coating to 1-2" (highest amounts south and to the northwest) has already accumulated throughout the area. Moderate to sometimes heavy snow will continue for the next several hours. South and east of town, some sleet may mix-in, but the predominant precipitation type should be snow.
Radar does indicate that snow decreases in coverage and intensity to the west and southwest of Fairfax County, but there are indications that may fill-in, keeping the snow going...even if it lightens in intensity or becomes more intermittent. The steadiest and heaviest snow will likely fall along I-95 and to the north and northeast of the District. By 11 p.m. -- the time of our next update -- most spots in the metro region should have 2-4" or so of new snow on the ground.
Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Snoverkill beginning to arrive
Winds pick up tonight, gust to around 50 mph on Wed.
Snow is a bit delayed but it will not be denied and neither will the big winds of Snoverkill. The storm's effects will begin to be felt across the area through evening as precipitation breaks out. Some sleet is possible early as far north as the entire D.C. metro before everyone goes back over to all snow during the late evening or overnight. The heaviest snow of Snoverkill looks to come during the early-morning through midday tomorrow as winds increase, causing near-blizzard conditions throughout the day.
Through tonight: Snow and sleet showers developing this evening consolidate into a general area of light to moderate snow into the night. Some mix is possible across much of the area early, still favoring D.C. and southeast, but we should flip over to snow within a short window around midnight. There may be some lulls in activity late with snowfall rates picking up again near sunrise. Lows range from 20 to 25 with winds increasing by morning.
Tomorrow (Wednesday): Snow and blowing snow is the big story of the morning and very strong winds tell the tale of the afternoon. We should see a band of moderate to heavy snow swing through the area through midday before precipitation tapers late. Winds increase throughout the day and gust as high as 50 mph during the afternoon, causing reduced visibilities, drifting of snow and power outages. Highs should rise to the upper 20s and around 30.
Tomorrow night: Any lingering evening flurries or snow showers should depart early. Skies clear thereafter and winds slowly diminish, but still gust to around 35 mph. Lows mainly in the low-and-mid 20s.
Total accumulations: We still expect accumulations to range from 6-10" across much of the area with a band of higher snow totals ranging from 8-16" focused on the northern portion and northeast. The highest accumulation potential is up toward Baltimore and northeast.
Posted at 11:05 AM ET, 02/ 9/2010
Next storm closes in; no change in forecast
Snoverkill's worst impacts expected tonight & tomorrow
2:10 p.m. Update: Radar is still pretty quiet around the region. However, precipitation should blossom by late afternoon or evening. As we mentioned earlier, any precipitation through afternoon should be on the light side and looks to be scattered, with not much accumulation until after sunset. Next full update between 3 and 4 p.m.
We know there are some widely divergent accumulation forecasts out there, and depending on where you are in the metro area. But as of the latest information coming in this morning, we are staying pat with our forecast of 6" to 16" for the metro area (see our accumulation map to see what part of that range applies to your location). We expect the highest amounts to be north and east of D.C. toward Baltimore.
Now through tomorrow: We still expect snow, or a snow/sleet mix for D.C. and points south and east, to begin from southwest to northeast over the next several hours. But precipitation should be on the light side to start, possibly moderate at times, and may be scattered, so accumulation by sunset should be around an inch or less. The heaviest precipitation is expected this evening through tomorrow morning, and may not taper until later in the afternoon. Strong winds tomorrow are likely to down trees and power lines, so widespread power outages are quite possible.
Uncertainties: The models we use to help guide our forecasts are not in as much agreement as for the last storm. With that in mind, there's still some uncertainty to the forecast. Here are our accumulation probabilities as they stand now:
25%: Less than 6"
35%: 6-10"
30%: 10-16"
10%: 16"+
(Again, accumulations are likely to be toward the higher end north and east of D.C. and lower south and west.)
07 February 2010
Digging Out Of The 'Snowpocalypse' NPR 7FEB10
We got 3 feet of snow here in Herndon.....and I got to work on time today, thank you God and Jeep! Click the header to go to the story and see some cool pics of D.C.
Digging Out Of The 'Snowpocalypse'
by The Associated Prress
February 7, 2010 The whiteout at the White House. Snowmageddon. Snowpocalypse.
No matter what it was called, the blizzard that buried the nation's capital was indeed epic.
Related NPR Stories
Two-Way: Brrr! Blizzard Of 2010 Buries D.C.
Feb. 6, 2010Monkey See: So You Are Buried Under Several Feet Of Snow: What's On TV This Weekend?
Feb. 6, 2010Snow Days: A Nightmarish Winter Wonderland
Feb. 5, 2010Snow Advice For The Frantic Mid-Atlantic
Feb. 5, 2010Behind The Weather: Strongest El Nino In A Decade
Feb. 5, 2010The flakes had stopped falling, but residents in the Mid-Atlantic region were faced Sunday with the prospect of digging out of more than two feet of snow in some areas. Roads reopened but officials continued to warn residents that highways could be icy and treacherous. Hundreds of thousands of people from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to Virginia were without power, left in the cold and possibly without a way to watch the Super Bowl.
The heavy, wet snow snapped tree limbs onto power lines and several roofs collapsed under the weight. Still, most tried to make the best of the situation.
"I think it's fun," said 10-year-old Jayla Burgess in Arlington, Va. "The best part is throwing snowballs at my Dad."
She wasn't the only one hurling the white stuff. Hundreds crowded Dupont Circle in D.C. for a snowball fight organized online. Skiers lapped the Reflecting Pool along the National Mall and others used the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a slope.
Washington took on a surreal, almost magical feel even though it was one of the worst blizzards in the city's history. The nearly 18 inches recorded at Reagan National Airport was the fourth-highest storm total for the city. At nearby Dulles International Airport, the record was shattered with 32 inches.
"Right now it's like the Epcot Center version of Washington," said Mary Lord, 56, a D.C. resident for some 30 years who had skied around the city.
President Barack Obama called it "Snowmageddon." Even his motorcade — which featured SUVs instead of limousines — fell victim to the storm as a tree limb crashed onto a vehicle carrying press. No one was injured.
At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, soldiers' names were buried 16 rows deep, while higher up snow had settled into the letters so they stood out against the black background. The wreaths of the World War II Memorial looked like giant white-frosted doughnuts. The big attraction at the Lincoln Memorial was not the nation's 16th president, but rather a snowman with eyes of copper pennies bearing Lincoln's likeness.
A group of four sophomores from George Washington University took pictures nearby.
"I'm from California. This is my first snow ever," said Megan McDonough, 19. "My parents called and asked if I had enough food."
The snow fell too quickly for crews to keep up, and officials begged residents to stay home. The hope was everyone could return to work on Monday.
The usually traffic-snarled roads were mostly barren, save for some snow plows, fire trucks, ambulances and a few SUVs. The Capital Beltway, always filled with cars, was empty at times.
Ann Pauley, 50, shoveled her car out of heaps of snow on a side street in Arlington even as more flakes piled on.
"I dug it out at midnight (Friday) when there was a foot of snow on it and I did it again this afternoon when there was another foot of snow," Pauley said. "My in-laws are from New England and they advised me that smaller amounts of snow are easier to manage. I don't need to go anywhere, I just want to stay ahead of it if I can."
Philadelphia, the nation's sixth-largest city, was virtually shut down with a record of nearly 27 inches.
Carolyn Matuska loved the quiet during her morning run along Washington's National Mall.
"Oh, it's spectacular out," she said. "It's so beautiful. The temperature's perfect, it's quiet, there's nobody out, it's a beautiful day."
The ugly side of the snow led to thousands of wrecks. Still, only two people had died — a father-and-son team who were killed trying to help someone stuck on a highway in Virginia.
Shawn Punga and his wife, Kristine, of Silver Spring, Md., went to a hotel because they lost power and were concerned for their 2-year-old daughter, Ryder, who was bundled up in thick pink pajamas and slippers.
"I have just been watching the thermostat," he said. They left the house when it hit 60 degrees.
Trouble for some was business for others.
Angel Martinez and a small crew of contractors shoveled morning and night and plowed streets and walkways of a Silver Spring subdivision.
"Usually there is not a lot of work this time of year, so when I get the call I'm happy for the opportunity to work," said Martinez, 24, of Gaithersburg. "But today there was too much."
The snow comes less than two months after a Dec. 19 storm dumped more than 16 inches on Washington. According to the National Weather Service, Washington has gotten more than a foot of snow only 13 times since 1870.
The heaviest on record was 28 inches in January 1922. The biggest snowfall for the Washington-Baltimore area is believed to have been in 1772, before official records were kept, when as much as 3 feet fell, which George Washington and Thomas Jefferson penned in their diaries.
Digging Out Of The 'Snowpocalypse'
by The Associated Prress
February 7, 2010 The whiteout at the White House. Snowmageddon. Snowpocalypse.
No matter what it was called, the blizzard that buried the nation's capital was indeed epic.
Related NPR Stories
Two-Way: Brrr! Blizzard Of 2010 Buries D.C.
Feb. 6, 2010Monkey See: So You Are Buried Under Several Feet Of Snow: What's On TV This Weekend?
Feb. 6, 2010Snow Days: A Nightmarish Winter Wonderland
Feb. 5, 2010Snow Advice For The Frantic Mid-Atlantic
Feb. 5, 2010Behind The Weather: Strongest El Nino In A Decade
Feb. 5, 2010The flakes had stopped falling, but residents in the Mid-Atlantic region were faced Sunday with the prospect of digging out of more than two feet of snow in some areas. Roads reopened but officials continued to warn residents that highways could be icy and treacherous. Hundreds of thousands of people from Pennsylvania to New Jersey to Virginia were without power, left in the cold and possibly without a way to watch the Super Bowl.
The heavy, wet snow snapped tree limbs onto power lines and several roofs collapsed under the weight. Still, most tried to make the best of the situation.
"I think it's fun," said 10-year-old Jayla Burgess in Arlington, Va. "The best part is throwing snowballs at my Dad."
She wasn't the only one hurling the white stuff. Hundreds crowded Dupont Circle in D.C. for a snowball fight organized online. Skiers lapped the Reflecting Pool along the National Mall and others used the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a slope.
Washington took on a surreal, almost magical feel even though it was one of the worst blizzards in the city's history. The nearly 18 inches recorded at Reagan National Airport was the fourth-highest storm total for the city. At nearby Dulles International Airport, the record was shattered with 32 inches.
"Right now it's like the Epcot Center version of Washington," said Mary Lord, 56, a D.C. resident for some 30 years who had skied around the city.
President Barack Obama called it "Snowmageddon." Even his motorcade — which featured SUVs instead of limousines — fell victim to the storm as a tree limb crashed onto a vehicle carrying press. No one was injured.
At the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, soldiers' names were buried 16 rows deep, while higher up snow had settled into the letters so they stood out against the black background. The wreaths of the World War II Memorial looked like giant white-frosted doughnuts. The big attraction at the Lincoln Memorial was not the nation's 16th president, but rather a snowman with eyes of copper pennies bearing Lincoln's likeness.
A group of four sophomores from George Washington University took pictures nearby.
"I'm from California. This is my first snow ever," said Megan McDonough, 19. "My parents called and asked if I had enough food."
The snow fell too quickly for crews to keep up, and officials begged residents to stay home. The hope was everyone could return to work on Monday.
The usually traffic-snarled roads were mostly barren, save for some snow plows, fire trucks, ambulances and a few SUVs. The Capital Beltway, always filled with cars, was empty at times.
Ann Pauley, 50, shoveled her car out of heaps of snow on a side street in Arlington even as more flakes piled on.
"I dug it out at midnight (Friday) when there was a foot of snow on it and I did it again this afternoon when there was another foot of snow," Pauley said. "My in-laws are from New England and they advised me that smaller amounts of snow are easier to manage. I don't need to go anywhere, I just want to stay ahead of it if I can."
Philadelphia, the nation's sixth-largest city, was virtually shut down with a record of nearly 27 inches.
Carolyn Matuska loved the quiet during her morning run along Washington's National Mall.
"Oh, it's spectacular out," she said. "It's so beautiful. The temperature's perfect, it's quiet, there's nobody out, it's a beautiful day."
The ugly side of the snow led to thousands of wrecks. Still, only two people had died — a father-and-son team who were killed trying to help someone stuck on a highway in Virginia.
Shawn Punga and his wife, Kristine, of Silver Spring, Md., went to a hotel because they lost power and were concerned for their 2-year-old daughter, Ryder, who was bundled up in thick pink pajamas and slippers.
"I have just been watching the thermostat," he said. They left the house when it hit 60 degrees.
Trouble for some was business for others.
Angel Martinez and a small crew of contractors shoveled morning and night and plowed streets and walkways of a Silver Spring subdivision.
"Usually there is not a lot of work this time of year, so when I get the call I'm happy for the opportunity to work," said Martinez, 24, of Gaithersburg. "But today there was too much."
The snow comes less than two months after a Dec. 19 storm dumped more than 16 inches on Washington. According to the National Weather Service, Washington has gotten more than a foot of snow only 13 times since 1870.
The heaviest on record was 28 inches in January 1922. The biggest snowfall for the Washington-Baltimore area is believed to have been in 1772, before official records were kept, when as much as 3 feet fell, which George Washington and Thomas Jefferson penned in their diaries.
06 February 2010
USWX WEATHER AND FORCAST FOR HERNDON, VA 1148 6FEB10
Herndon, VA
11:48am EST - 4:48pm GMT Current Conditions
Observation for Washington DC, VA (KIAD) as of 8:52am EST (176 min ago)Temperature 29 °F -2 °C
Dew Point 26 °F -3 °C
Humidity 89%
Pressure 29.63 in 1003.3 mb
Wind Speed 17 MPH 15 kts
Wind Dir N 350°
Ceiling 700 ft 213 m
Visibility 0.25 mi 0.4 km
Wind Chill 17 °F -8 °C Temp
Current Conditions Snow,Freezing Fog
Remarks 0.03" of precipitation last hour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18" inches of snow on ground at 6:52am EST .
Winter Storm Warning Sat, Feb 6, 4:05am EST Sat, Feb 6, 1:00pm EST 1 hr, 11 mins
National Weather Service Forecast
Seven Day Forecast Issued 9:00am EST -- Sat, Feb 6, 2010
Rest of today Snow. Areas of blowing snow early this morning. Areas of blowing snow this afternoon. Total snow accumulation of 18 to 24 inches. Highs in the upper 20s. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Tonight Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Cold with lows around 10 above. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening. Chance of snow 40 percent.
Sunday Mostly sunny. Highs around 30. Northwest winds around 10 mph. Wind chill values as low as 1 below in the morning.
Sunday night Partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 11. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds around 10 mph. Wind chill values as low as 1 below in the morning.
Monday night Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.
Tuesday Partly sunny with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Tuesday night Snow and rain likely. Lows in the upper 20s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
Wednesday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.
Wednesday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Thursday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s.
Thursday night Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.
Friday Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
11:48am EST - 4:48pm GMT Current Conditions
Observation for Washington DC, VA (KIAD) as of 8:52am EST (176 min ago)Temperature 29 °F -2 °C
Dew Point 26 °F -3 °C
Humidity 89%
Pressure 29.63 in 1003.3 mb
Wind Speed 17 MPH 15 kts
Wind Dir N 350°
Ceiling 700 ft 213 m
Visibility 0.25 mi 0.4 km
Wind Chill 17 °F -8 °C Temp
Current Conditions Snow,Freezing Fog
Remarks 0.03" of precipitation last hour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18" inches of snow on ground at 6:52am EST .
Winter Storm Warning Sat, Feb 6, 4:05am EST Sat, Feb 6, 1:00pm EST 1 hr, 11 mins
National Weather Service Forecast
Seven Day Forecast Issued 9:00am EST -- Sat, Feb 6, 2010
Rest of today Snow. Areas of blowing snow early this morning. Areas of blowing snow this afternoon. Total snow accumulation of 18 to 24 inches. Highs in the upper 20s. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Tonight Mostly cloudy with a chance of snow in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Cold with lows around 10 above. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening. Chance of snow 40 percent.
Sunday Mostly sunny. Highs around 30. Northwest winds around 10 mph. Wind chill values as low as 1 below in the morning.
Sunday night Partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 11. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds around 10 mph. Wind chill values as low as 1 below in the morning.
Monday night Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.
Tuesday Partly sunny with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Tuesday night Snow and rain likely. Lows in the upper 20s. Chance of precipitation 60 percent.
Wednesday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.
Wednesday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Thursday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s.
Thursday night Mostly cloudy. Lows in the lower 20s.
Friday Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s.
Moderate to sometimes heavy snow rolls on 1000 6FEB10
Posted at 10:00 AM ET, 02/ 6/2010
Many of our best storms conclude with a final snow thump when the upper-level energy swings through and interacts with the moisture from the coastal surface low -- this one fits the bill. As temperatures continue to cool aloft and at the surface, the previously moisture-laden snow has transitioned into a fluffier and more powdery one. Accumulations are now ranging from over a foot to around two feet, leading to downed trees and wires which have helped cause numerous power outages.
Heavy wet snow continues to pile up in Cleveland Park this morning. Photo by CWG photographer Ian Livingston.With the low pressure slow to move out and still pumping moisture back into cold air, another general half-foot of snow should fall with some spots getting more and others perhaps less. It is likely that much of the snow from here out will be moderate until it starts to taper this afternoon, but there will also be embedded heavier bands capable of producing 1-2"+ per hour. One rather large band is currently drifting in from the north and will slowly move southeast through the entire area during the midday into early afternoon.
Posted at 05:30 AM ET, 02/ 6/2010
Metro Forcast
Today: Snow ending late, windy. Total accumulations 16-26". High near 30. | Tonight: Gradual clearing, breezy and cold. 10-16. | Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. Near 30. | A Look Ahead | Get Express Forecast by E-mail
Generally 12 to 18 inches of snow has fallen across the metro region (with a few spots over 20") and we still have the final 1/3 of Snowmageddon to go. Steady, wind-driven snow will continue into the afternoon, boosting snow tallies to historic levels. The snow is likely to finally taper in the mid-to-late afternoon, with only lingering flurries by dark. Day time accumulation should range from 5-8 inches (locally higher where heavy bands set up, mainly north of town), with the lightest amounts south of the beltway. Total storm accumulations will likely fall in our predicted range of 16-26 inches throughout the region, though a few areas (e.g. upper Montgomery and Loudoun counties) could total 30" or so.
Gusty winds from the north will cause blowing and drifting snow -- that is, blizzard conditions. Winds will generally be sustained at around 20 mph (to 25-35 mph east of town) with gusts of 30-40 mph (45 mph east of town). The combination of wind and snow will continue to bring the risk of power outages.
Tonight, Tomorrow, and Monday: Skies will gradually clear overnight. With the deep fresh snow cover, temperatures will tumble into the mid teens downtown to around 10 in the colder suburbs. Wind chills will be near zero. Sunday and Monday will be dry with afternoon highs near 30 Sunday and 32-36 Monday, and lows Monday morning from 7-17 (suburbs-city).
Tuesday and Wednesday: Clouds increase Tuesday with another chance of snow or mixed precipitation in the afternoon lasting into Wednesday morning. Highs will be near 35 Tuesday, and near 30 Wednesday, with lows in the 20s Tuesday night. We'll have more details on this next possible wave of winter weather in updates later today and/or tomorrow.
(Next update to be between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. Saturday)
High intensity snowfall has been pasting the metro area for hours now and will continue into tomorrow morning. The combination of the heavy, wet snow and wind is causing scattered power outages throughout the metro region. This storm is just over 1/3 of the way through and conditions will continue to deteriorate overnight. Snow will fall at a rate of 1-2" per hour for at least the next 6-8 hours, probably longer. Winds are likely to increase to around 20 mph, with gusts of 30-40 mph. Fortunately, as temperature continue falling, the consistency of the snow will become a little more powdery, so it will not adhere as well to trees and power lines later at night.
Throughout the region, snowfall totals so far are in the 6-12" range. Sleet has been reported primarily in Fredericksburg and points to the south. In the metro region, thunder has accompanied the snow in some cases and some additional thundersnow is possible in the next few hours.
Posted at 07:45 PM ET, 02/05/2010
The intensity of snow has continued to gradually increase this evening. Snowfall rates should at least persist at current levels if not increase. Rates of between 1-3" per hour are likely overnight. By morning (over the next twelve hours), most places in the metro region should pick up another 10-12 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts. Another 4-8" is possible during the day Saturday. We continue to expect total accumulations of 16-26". Temperatures are holding right around freezing which is making this a heavy, wet snow. Unfortunately, that may increase the risk of power outages as the night wears on (although temperatures should start dropping off some more after midnight), especially with winds increasing.
So far, most areas have picked up 3-6", with locally heavier amounts to the northwest and southwest of the immediate metro area. From Fredericksburg to Charlottesville, Va., there have been reports of sleet. Some sleet may advance northward and mix with snow in southern and eastern suburbs through around midnight, but the predominant precipitation type for the most of the metro region should be snow.
Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Blizzard warning expanded west to D.C
5:50 p.m.: The blizzard warning, earlier in effect for only the far eastern suburbs, has been extended west through the District.
Snowmageddon is here and it's just warming up. So far, the snow has been light to moderate as temperatures settle to and below freezing. Accumulations through now are on the order of a dusting to around 1-2" and road surfaces are begining to be affected as temperatures cool and the sun sets. The real deal arrives this evening and overnight, when snow could temporarily fall up to 2" or 3" per hour, rivaling the most intense rates this region ever witnesses. About as thrilling of a National Weatherperson Day as one could put together, right?
Periods of heavy snow are expected to enter the region around 7 p.m. (0z) and continue through much of the night. Through tonight: Get ready (if you stay up) for some of the heaviest -- if not the heaviest -- snowfall rates you ever see around here. It will come down in buckets, perhaps with some thunder, most of the night after things intensify markedly by 7 p.m. or so. The heaviest focus is likely from around 10 p.m. through sunrise. While most locations should pick up at least 1 foot overnight alone, don't be surprised if some spots pick up a good bit more. Lows drop to the mid-and-upper 20s as northeast winds blow around 20 mph, with higher gusts, leading to near-blizzard conditions.
Tomorrow (Saturday): If the huge amount of snow on the ground in the morning is not enough, no worries, because snow continues through much of the day Saturday. Snow will be most intense early but we should see a lighter and fluffier snow with some moderate to heavy periods lasting into the early evening. Additional accumulations of 4-8"+ are possible before it winds down. Highs rise to the upper 20s to around 30. Winds remain gusty from the northeast causnig blowing and drifting of snow.
Brief look ahead: As if we have not seen enough wintry weather lately, there's already another (much smaller) threat in the pipeline for late Tuesday into Wednesday. Right now it looks like it could threaten with just about every precipitation type depending on the ultimate track. In an already very snowy winter, it is certainly worth watching.
Posted by Ian Livingston | Permalink | Comments (315)
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Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 02/ 5/2010
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admistration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco has released the following statement:
An epic snowstorm has the mid-Atlantic region in its cross hairs. At this time, personal safety must be first and foremost. National Weather Service forecasters have been tracking this storm for the past week and now that the storm is here it must be taken very seriously.
Chris Strong, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Sterling, Va. just emailed CWG and other media outlets the following note:
Our media partners,
If you would, please ensure these points get some airtime. Tonight into Saturday morning will be about as dangerous as winter weather can get around here. Thank you.
Chris Strong
NWS Baltimore/Washington
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS FROM NWS
1. ENSURE PORTABLE GENERATORS ARE ADEQUATELY VENTILATED.
2. TRAVEL CONDITIONS TONIGHT ACROSS THE REGION WILL BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. HELP YOUR LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT FIRST RESPONDERS AND TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES BY STAYING OFF ROADS LATER THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT.
Keep reading for critical safety information...
Continue reading this post »
Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Weather Service: All-time snow record in jeopardy
*** Latest Capital Weather Gang Storm Update ***
The National Weather Service in Sterling, Va. has issued the following statement:
...RECORD SNOWFALL FORECAST IN THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON DC REGION...
...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS DEVELOPING TONIGHT...
GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH VISIBILITIES FREQUENTLY FALLING BELOW ONE-QUARTER MILE DUE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL DEVELOP TONIGHT TO PRODUCE NEAR-BLIZZARD AND EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. TRAVEL IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGED TONIGHT AND WILL BE VERY DANGEROUS.
LOOKING BACK AT THE BIGGEST STORM OF RECORD FOR WASHINGTON DC... THE JANUARY 1922 KNICKERBOCKER STORM ... 28.0 INCHES OF SNOW WAS PRODUCED FROM 3.02 INCHES OF LIQUID WATER. CURRENT FORECASTS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE TOTAL LIQUID FALLING FROM THIS STORM APPROACHING 3 INCHES ... WHICH ACCORDINGLY WOULD CREATE A SNOWFALL THAT WILL RIVAL THE KNICKERBOCKER STORM TOTAL. GENERALLY ACROSS THE REGION ... 20 TO
30 INCHES OF SNOW WILL FALL BY SATURDAY EVENING
Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Snow underway: Some could see 2 feet or more
Worst of it is this evening into early tomorrow
The snow has started in many parts of the metro area, and as it becomes steadier and heavier, temperatures will drop and road conditions will go downhill. Treated roads should fare decently (not ideal, but probably passable) into mid-afternoon or so with temperatures near or a little above freezing. But as daylight wanes in the late afternoon, you'll want to get to where you plan to be for at least a couple of days.
Confidence remains high that most, if not all, metro area locations will get a minimum of around 16 inches by the time the storm finishes later in the day Saturday. There's a pretty good chance that some or many spots reach near or over 2 feet. For more, see our detailed forecast, which includes an accumulation forecast map, timeline, answers to FAQs and more.
One of the most difficult aspects during winter storms, for meteorologists and news organizations, is actually knowing what's happening on the ground, because radar only tells you so much. So help us out with comments below about the conditions where you are, and any other thoughts you have on what has a very good chance of becoming the second history-making storm this winter.
Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Eating our way through 'Snowmageddon'
While area grocery stores try to keep up with demand, some items are more popular than others. Now that Snowmageddon is here, the question remains: What do we all eat while stuck indoors over the next three days?
While some area residents have flocked to grocery stores to stand in line for yet a third time this week, others are relying on leftovers or dusty cans of non-perishables in the back shelves of their pantries -- that is, if there are any left after this season's storms.
Meanwhile, those who are hoping for area restaurants to stay open on Saturday may have a hard time finding one. Home-bound residents, such as the elderly and disabled, may have an especially tough time this weekend -- a good reminder for all of us to lend a hand during this storm.
Keep reading for some tasty Snowmageddon recipes. And see previous stories in Ann Posegate's "Wx and the City" series.
Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Today's Daily Digit
A somewhat subjective rating of the day's weather, on a scale of 0 to 10.
Though a thrill for snowlovers, this is a serious, potentially dangerous storm coming in.
Today: Snow/mix developing, changing to snow. 33-37. | Tonight: Heavy snow with high accumulations. 26-30. | Tomorrow: Snow, gradually ending late, breezy. 27-31.
SETTING THE SCENE
Not just major but most likely historic snow is approaching. Please take this potentially dangerous storm seriously. Snow will start between mid-morning and mid-day, slowly lowering the temperature to around freezing. Mixed precipitation may accompany the light, beginning period of the storm. Slowly through the afternoon and early evening the snow will accumulate. But the bulk of the storm's fury will come after dark when snow rates over an inch per hour are likely. Snowfall intensity will diminish Saturday afternoon, slowly. But breezes will pickup, creating cold wind-chilled air. The impact of this storm will be felt for long after snow ceases by Saturday evening.
9 AM to 1 PM FRIDAY
Snow develops SW to NE. Possible mix with rain/sleet. Temps 33-37.
1 PM to 7 PM FRIDAY
Snow, becoming heavy late. Some mix S&E. Temps 30-34.
7 PM to 1 AM SATURDAY
Snow, likely heavy. Some mix S&E. Temps 28-32.
1 AM to 7 AM SATURDAY
Snow, becoming breezy. Temps 26-30.
7 AM to 1 PM SATURDAY
Snow, decreasing some in coverage/intensity. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
1 PM to 7 PM SATURDAY
Snow tapering to flurries. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
Forecast Confidence: High
IMPACT FORECAST
How confident are you in your forecast?
It is virtually certain we will see copious amounts of winter precipitation from this storm. We are very confident the region will see double digit snow totals, even if some areas (primarily south and east of the beltway) mix with sleet and/or rain.
Could the storm "bust" or end up being much less than these hyped-up amounts?
We have not hyped the amount of accumulation we are predicting and have arrived at this forecast with careful consideration. Having said that, due to the complexity of the atmosphere and the major effects small changes in storm evolution can have, there is always the possibility that storm totals will be lower or higher than forecast. For this storm, however, we think the bust potential is relatively low given its size and consistency in computer model simulations.
Posted at 11:15 PM ET, 02/ 4/2010
Update: Some FAQs for Snowmageddon Eve
Potentially historic snowstorm still on track
* Winter Storm Warning Friday morning through Saturday evening *
* Bob Ryan to WJLA to team up with Doug Hill? *
* Will the storm make history? | Q&A transcript | Winter driving tips *
* Follow storm on twitter: #Snowpocalypse | E-mail forecast to a friend *
* News, traffic & storm coverage: Local home page | Get There *
A few tweaks to our accumulation forecast for areas to the south, and just a slight change to our estimated start time for the metro area (between 8 a.m. and noon tomorrow, instead of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Other than that, all is on track for a storm that could make a run at history. Check out the CWG team's accumulation map and timeline below, and below that answers to a few questions you might have. Then, get some sleep, and stay with us tomorrow and through the weekend for the latest storm information.
8 AM to 12 PM FRIDAY
Snow develops SW to NE. Possible mix with rain/sleet. Temps 33-37.
12 PM to 7 PM FRIDAY
Snow, becoming heavy late. Some mix S&E. Temps 30-34.
7 PM to 1 AM SATURDAY
Snow, possibly heavy. Some mix S&E. Temps 28-32.
1 AM to 7 AM SATURDAY
Snow, becoming breezy. Temps 26-30.
7 AM to 1 PM SATURDAY
Snow, decreasing some in coverage/intensity. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
1 PM to 7 PM SATURDAY
Snow tapering to flurries. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
Forecast Confidence: High
STORM FAQs
Is this really happening again? Incredibly, yes. What are the odds of two double-digit snows in the same season? Funny you should ask. We have an answer here.
When will it start? Start time is often tricky for snowstorms, because it's hard to judge how slowly or quickly the lower atmosphere will become moist enough to allow falling snow to start reaching the ground, rather than evaporating into air that is too dry. Based on the latest data, our best estimate is that snow will develop across the metro area from southwest to northeast between 9 a.m. and noon. Snow may be mixed with some sleet or rain at the onset.
See our earlier post (which is still valid) for impact forecasts and the detailed forecast into next week.
When will travel get really bad? We're thinking that snow will be primarily light to moderate through the afternoon, with accumulations on the order of a few inches, as opposed to the moderate to heavy snow that's likely tomorrow evening and overnight. So with temperatures expected to be near or even a little above freezing for much of the day, roads may not be too bad until we get into the late afternoon and early evening. Still, you'll want to drive with caution and be especially careful on surfaces that tend to ice over the fastest -- bridges, ramps and overapasses.
Are power outages a concern? Yes. While this snow may not be as wet as the very wet snow we saw Tuesday night, it may well be wetter than the snow that fell during the December storm. The heavier snow combined with winds gusting in the 30-40 mph range tomorrow night and Saturday could bring down trees and power lines.
When's your next update? We'll be back at 5 a.m. with the latest forecast and answers to more FAQs.
Posted by Dan Stillman | Permalink | Comments (62)
Many of our best storms conclude with a final snow thump when the upper-level energy swings through and interacts with the moisture from the coastal surface low -- this one fits the bill. As temperatures continue to cool aloft and at the surface, the previously moisture-laden snow has transitioned into a fluffier and more powdery one. Accumulations are now ranging from over a foot to around two feet, leading to downed trees and wires which have helped cause numerous power outages.
Heavy wet snow continues to pile up in Cleveland Park this morning. Photo by CWG photographer Ian Livingston.With the low pressure slow to move out and still pumping moisture back into cold air, another general half-foot of snow should fall with some spots getting more and others perhaps less. It is likely that much of the snow from here out will be moderate until it starts to taper this afternoon, but there will also be embedded heavier bands capable of producing 1-2"+ per hour. One rather large band is currently drifting in from the north and will slowly move southeast through the entire area during the midday into early afternoon.
Posted at 05:30 AM ET, 02/ 6/2010
Metro Forcast
Today: Snow ending late, windy. Total accumulations 16-26". High near 30. | Tonight: Gradual clearing, breezy and cold. 10-16. | Tomorrow: Mostly sunny. Near 30. | A Look Ahead | Get Express Forecast by E-mail
Generally 12 to 18 inches of snow has fallen across the metro region (with a few spots over 20") and we still have the final 1/3 of Snowmageddon to go. Steady, wind-driven snow will continue into the afternoon, boosting snow tallies to historic levels. The snow is likely to finally taper in the mid-to-late afternoon, with only lingering flurries by dark. Day time accumulation should range from 5-8 inches (locally higher where heavy bands set up, mainly north of town), with the lightest amounts south of the beltway. Total storm accumulations will likely fall in our predicted range of 16-26 inches throughout the region, though a few areas (e.g. upper Montgomery and Loudoun counties) could total 30" or so.
Gusty winds from the north will cause blowing and drifting snow -- that is, blizzard conditions. Winds will generally be sustained at around 20 mph (to 25-35 mph east of town) with gusts of 30-40 mph (45 mph east of town). The combination of wind and snow will continue to bring the risk of power outages.
Tonight, Tomorrow, and Monday: Skies will gradually clear overnight. With the deep fresh snow cover, temperatures will tumble into the mid teens downtown to around 10 in the colder suburbs. Wind chills will be near zero. Sunday and Monday will be dry with afternoon highs near 30 Sunday and 32-36 Monday, and lows Monday morning from 7-17 (suburbs-city).
Tuesday and Wednesday: Clouds increase Tuesday with another chance of snow or mixed precipitation in the afternoon lasting into Wednesday morning. Highs will be near 35 Tuesday, and near 30 Wednesday, with lows in the 20s Tuesday night. We'll have more details on this next possible wave of winter weather in updates later today and/or tomorrow.
(Next update to be between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. Saturday)
High intensity snowfall has been pasting the metro area for hours now and will continue into tomorrow morning. The combination of the heavy, wet snow and wind is causing scattered power outages throughout the metro region. This storm is just over 1/3 of the way through and conditions will continue to deteriorate overnight. Snow will fall at a rate of 1-2" per hour for at least the next 6-8 hours, probably longer. Winds are likely to increase to around 20 mph, with gusts of 30-40 mph. Fortunately, as temperature continue falling, the consistency of the snow will become a little more powdery, so it will not adhere as well to trees and power lines later at night.
Throughout the region, snowfall totals so far are in the 6-12" range. Sleet has been reported primarily in Fredericksburg and points to the south. In the metro region, thunder has accompanied the snow in some cases and some additional thundersnow is possible in the next few hours.
Posted at 07:45 PM ET, 02/05/2010
The intensity of snow has continued to gradually increase this evening. Snowfall rates should at least persist at current levels if not increase. Rates of between 1-3" per hour are likely overnight. By morning (over the next twelve hours), most places in the metro region should pick up another 10-12 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts. Another 4-8" is possible during the day Saturday. We continue to expect total accumulations of 16-26". Temperatures are holding right around freezing which is making this a heavy, wet snow. Unfortunately, that may increase the risk of power outages as the night wears on (although temperatures should start dropping off some more after midnight), especially with winds increasing.
So far, most areas have picked up 3-6", with locally heavier amounts to the northwest and southwest of the immediate metro area. From Fredericksburg to Charlottesville, Va., there have been reports of sleet. Some sleet may advance northward and mix with snow in southern and eastern suburbs through around midnight, but the predominant precipitation type for the most of the metro region should be snow.
Posted at 06:00 PM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Blizzard warning expanded west to D.C
5:50 p.m.: The blizzard warning, earlier in effect for only the far eastern suburbs, has been extended west through the District.
Snowmageddon is here and it's just warming up. So far, the snow has been light to moderate as temperatures settle to and below freezing. Accumulations through now are on the order of a dusting to around 1-2" and road surfaces are begining to be affected as temperatures cool and the sun sets. The real deal arrives this evening and overnight, when snow could temporarily fall up to 2" or 3" per hour, rivaling the most intense rates this region ever witnesses. About as thrilling of a National Weatherperson Day as one could put together, right?
Periods of heavy snow are expected to enter the region around 7 p.m. (0z) and continue through much of the night. Through tonight: Get ready (if you stay up) for some of the heaviest -- if not the heaviest -- snowfall rates you ever see around here. It will come down in buckets, perhaps with some thunder, most of the night after things intensify markedly by 7 p.m. or so. The heaviest focus is likely from around 10 p.m. through sunrise. While most locations should pick up at least 1 foot overnight alone, don't be surprised if some spots pick up a good bit more. Lows drop to the mid-and-upper 20s as northeast winds blow around 20 mph, with higher gusts, leading to near-blizzard conditions.
Tomorrow (Saturday): If the huge amount of snow on the ground in the morning is not enough, no worries, because snow continues through much of the day Saturday. Snow will be most intense early but we should see a lighter and fluffier snow with some moderate to heavy periods lasting into the early evening. Additional accumulations of 4-8"+ are possible before it winds down. Highs rise to the upper 20s to around 30. Winds remain gusty from the northeast causnig blowing and drifting of snow.
Brief look ahead: As if we have not seen enough wintry weather lately, there's already another (much smaller) threat in the pipeline for late Tuesday into Wednesday. Right now it looks like it could threaten with just about every precipitation type depending on the ultimate track. In an already very snowy winter, it is certainly worth watching.
Posted by Ian Livingston | Permalink | Comments (315)
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Posted at 02:15 PM ET, 02/ 5/2010
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admistration (NOAA) Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco has released the following statement:
An epic snowstorm has the mid-Atlantic region in its cross hairs. At this time, personal safety must be first and foremost. National Weather Service forecasters have been tracking this storm for the past week and now that the storm is here it must be taken very seriously.
Chris Strong, Warning Coordination Meteorologist for the NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Sterling, Va. just emailed CWG and other media outlets the following note:
Our media partners,
If you would, please ensure these points get some airtime. Tonight into Saturday morning will be about as dangerous as winter weather can get around here. Thank you.
Chris Strong
NWS Baltimore/Washington
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS FROM NWS
1. ENSURE PORTABLE GENERATORS ARE ADEQUATELY VENTILATED.
2. TRAVEL CONDITIONS TONIGHT ACROSS THE REGION WILL BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND LIFE THREATENING. HELP YOUR LOCAL AND STATE GOVERNMENT FIRST RESPONDERS AND TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES BY STAYING OFF ROADS LATER THIS EVENING AND TONIGHT.
Keep reading for critical safety information...
Continue reading this post »
Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Weather Service: All-time snow record in jeopardy
*** Latest Capital Weather Gang Storm Update ***
The National Weather Service in Sterling, Va. has issued the following statement:
...RECORD SNOWFALL FORECAST IN THE BALTIMORE-WASHINGTON DC REGION...
...EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS DEVELOPING TONIGHT...
GUSTY NORTHEAST WINDS 20 TO 30 MPH WITH VISIBILITIES FREQUENTLY FALLING BELOW ONE-QUARTER MILE DUE TO HEAVY SNOW WILL DEVELOP TONIGHT TO PRODUCE NEAR-BLIZZARD AND EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS TONIGHT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING. TRAVEL IS HIGHLY DISCOURAGED TONIGHT AND WILL BE VERY DANGEROUS.
LOOKING BACK AT THE BIGGEST STORM OF RECORD FOR WASHINGTON DC... THE JANUARY 1922 KNICKERBOCKER STORM ... 28.0 INCHES OF SNOW WAS PRODUCED FROM 3.02 INCHES OF LIQUID WATER. CURRENT FORECASTS FOR THIS EVENT HAVE TOTAL LIQUID FALLING FROM THIS STORM APPROACHING 3 INCHES ... WHICH ACCORDINGLY WOULD CREATE A SNOWFALL THAT WILL RIVAL THE KNICKERBOCKER STORM TOTAL. GENERALLY ACROSS THE REGION ... 20 TO
30 INCHES OF SNOW WILL FALL BY SATURDAY EVENING
Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Snow underway: Some could see 2 feet or more
Worst of it is this evening into early tomorrow
The snow has started in many parts of the metro area, and as it becomes steadier and heavier, temperatures will drop and road conditions will go downhill. Treated roads should fare decently (not ideal, but probably passable) into mid-afternoon or so with temperatures near or a little above freezing. But as daylight wanes in the late afternoon, you'll want to get to where you plan to be for at least a couple of days.
Confidence remains high that most, if not all, metro area locations will get a minimum of around 16 inches by the time the storm finishes later in the day Saturday. There's a pretty good chance that some or many spots reach near or over 2 feet. For more, see our detailed forecast, which includes an accumulation forecast map, timeline, answers to FAQs and more.
One of the most difficult aspects during winter storms, for meteorologists and news organizations, is actually knowing what's happening on the ground, because radar only tells you so much. So help us out with comments below about the conditions where you are, and any other thoughts you have on what has a very good chance of becoming the second history-making storm this winter.
Posted at 11:00 AM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Eating our way through 'Snowmageddon'
While area grocery stores try to keep up with demand, some items are more popular than others. Now that Snowmageddon is here, the question remains: What do we all eat while stuck indoors over the next three days?
While some area residents have flocked to grocery stores to stand in line for yet a third time this week, others are relying on leftovers or dusty cans of non-perishables in the back shelves of their pantries -- that is, if there are any left after this season's storms.
Meanwhile, those who are hoping for area restaurants to stay open on Saturday may have a hard time finding one. Home-bound residents, such as the elderly and disabled, may have an especially tough time this weekend -- a good reminder for all of us to lend a hand during this storm.
Keep reading for some tasty Snowmageddon recipes. And see previous stories in Ann Posegate's "Wx and the City" series.
Posted at 09:40 AM ET, 02/ 5/2010
Today's Daily Digit
A somewhat subjective rating of the day's weather, on a scale of 0 to 10.
Though a thrill for snowlovers, this is a serious, potentially dangerous storm coming in.
Today: Snow/mix developing, changing to snow. 33-37. | Tonight: Heavy snow with high accumulations. 26-30. | Tomorrow: Snow, gradually ending late, breezy. 27-31.
SETTING THE SCENE
Not just major but most likely historic snow is approaching. Please take this potentially dangerous storm seriously. Snow will start between mid-morning and mid-day, slowly lowering the temperature to around freezing. Mixed precipitation may accompany the light, beginning period of the storm. Slowly through the afternoon and early evening the snow will accumulate. But the bulk of the storm's fury will come after dark when snow rates over an inch per hour are likely. Snowfall intensity will diminish Saturday afternoon, slowly. But breezes will pickup, creating cold wind-chilled air. The impact of this storm will be felt for long after snow ceases by Saturday evening.
9 AM to 1 PM FRIDAY
Snow develops SW to NE. Possible mix with rain/sleet. Temps 33-37.
1 PM to 7 PM FRIDAY
Snow, becoming heavy late. Some mix S&E. Temps 30-34.
7 PM to 1 AM SATURDAY
Snow, likely heavy. Some mix S&E. Temps 28-32.
1 AM to 7 AM SATURDAY
Snow, becoming breezy. Temps 26-30.
7 AM to 1 PM SATURDAY
Snow, decreasing some in coverage/intensity. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
1 PM to 7 PM SATURDAY
Snow tapering to flurries. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
Forecast Confidence: High
IMPACT FORECAST
How confident are you in your forecast?
It is virtually certain we will see copious amounts of winter precipitation from this storm. We are very confident the region will see double digit snow totals, even if some areas (primarily south and east of the beltway) mix with sleet and/or rain.
Could the storm "bust" or end up being much less than these hyped-up amounts?
We have not hyped the amount of accumulation we are predicting and have arrived at this forecast with careful consideration. Having said that, due to the complexity of the atmosphere and the major effects small changes in storm evolution can have, there is always the possibility that storm totals will be lower or higher than forecast. For this storm, however, we think the bust potential is relatively low given its size and consistency in computer model simulations.
Posted at 11:15 PM ET, 02/ 4/2010
Update: Some FAQs for Snowmageddon Eve
Potentially historic snowstorm still on track
* Winter Storm Warning Friday morning through Saturday evening *
* Bob Ryan to WJLA to team up with Doug Hill? *
* Will the storm make history? | Q&A transcript | Winter driving tips *
* Follow storm on twitter: #Snowpocalypse | E-mail forecast to a friend *
* News, traffic & storm coverage: Local home page | Get There *
A few tweaks to our accumulation forecast for areas to the south, and just a slight change to our estimated start time for the metro area (between 8 a.m. and noon tomorrow, instead of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Other than that, all is on track for a storm that could make a run at history. Check out the CWG team's accumulation map and timeline below, and below that answers to a few questions you might have. Then, get some sleep, and stay with us tomorrow and through the weekend for the latest storm information.
8 AM to 12 PM FRIDAY
Snow develops SW to NE. Possible mix with rain/sleet. Temps 33-37.
12 PM to 7 PM FRIDAY
Snow, becoming heavy late. Some mix S&E. Temps 30-34.
7 PM to 1 AM SATURDAY
Snow, possibly heavy. Some mix S&E. Temps 28-32.
1 AM to 7 AM SATURDAY
Snow, becoming breezy. Temps 26-30.
7 AM to 1 PM SATURDAY
Snow, decreasing some in coverage/intensity. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
1 PM to 7 PM SATURDAY
Snow tapering to flurries. Breezy. Temps 27-31.
Forecast Confidence: High
STORM FAQs
Is this really happening again? Incredibly, yes. What are the odds of two double-digit snows in the same season? Funny you should ask. We have an answer here.
When will it start? Start time is often tricky for snowstorms, because it's hard to judge how slowly or quickly the lower atmosphere will become moist enough to allow falling snow to start reaching the ground, rather than evaporating into air that is too dry. Based on the latest data, our best estimate is that snow will develop across the metro area from southwest to northeast between 9 a.m. and noon. Snow may be mixed with some sleet or rain at the onset.
See our earlier post (which is still valid) for impact forecasts and the detailed forecast into next week.
When will travel get really bad? We're thinking that snow will be primarily light to moderate through the afternoon, with accumulations on the order of a few inches, as opposed to the moderate to heavy snow that's likely tomorrow evening and overnight. So with temperatures expected to be near or even a little above freezing for much of the day, roads may not be too bad until we get into the late afternoon and early evening. Still, you'll want to drive with caution and be especially careful on surfaces that tend to ice over the fastest -- bridges, ramps and overapasses.
Are power outages a concern? Yes. While this snow may not be as wet as the very wet snow we saw Tuesday night, it may well be wetter than the snow that fell during the December storm. The heavier snow combined with winds gusting in the 30-40 mph range tomorrow night and Saturday could bring down trees and power lines.
When's your next update? We'll be back at 5 a.m. with the latest forecast and answers to more FAQs.
Posted by Dan Stillman | Permalink | Comments (62)
05 February 2010
LET IT SNOW 5FEB10
Herndon, VA
1:42pm EST - 6:42pm GMT Current Conditions
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Observation for Washington DC, VA (KIAD) as of 1:30pm EST (12 min ago)Temperature 34 °F 1 °C
Dew Point 30 °F -1 °C
Humidity 86%
Pressure 30.18 in 1022 mb
Wind Speed 3 MPH 3 kts
Wind Dir SE 140°
Ceiling 1000 ft 305 m
Visibility 0.75 mi 1.2 km
Wind Chill 31 °F -1 °C Temp | 24 Max | 24 Min | Dew Point | Pressure | Feels Like
Current Conditions Light Snow, Mist
Remarks 0.03" of precipitation last hour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3" inches of snow on ground at 12:52pm EST .
Other Local Stations: KDCA - Washington DC, DC KFDK - Frederick, MD KHEF - Manassas Municipal Automatic Weather Observing, VA KIAD - Washington DC, VA KJYO - Leesburg, VA KIAD KJYO KHEF KDCA KFDK
Severe Weather Statements
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Type Issue Time Expire Time Expires In
Winter Storm Warning Fri, Feb 5, 9:04am EST Fri, Feb 5, 5:15pm EST 3 hrs, 32 mins
Winter Storm Warning Fri, Feb 5, 11:54am EST Fri, Feb 5, 8:00pm EST 6 hrs, 17 mins
Special Weather Statement Fri, Feb 5, 12:34pm EST Fri, Feb 5, 8:45pm EST 7 hrs, 2 mins
National Weather Service Forecast
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Right Now Issued 11:00am EST -- Fri, Feb 5, 2010
Winter storm warning in effect until 10 pm est saturday. Much of north central virginia east of the blue ridge, and adjacent portions of maryland, will continue to see light to moderate snow into the early afternoon hours. A band of heavier snow continues from lower southern maryland, Northwestward across the southern and western dc suburbs. This band of snow has been generally slow moving for the past hour and will remain over the same general area into early afternoon. Visibilities will quickly be reduced to under a half mile, with localized areas under a quarter of a mile. This snow band will eventually begin to affect adjacent areas to the north, such as southern montgomery and prince georges counties, and into the district. Initial snowfall activity has led to mainly wet roadways, though accumulations will begin in earnest closer to the noon hour across the area, especially under this heavier band of snow. Use caution while driving late this morning as snowfall becomes heavier. Accumulations through 2 pm expected to be under an inch, though locally higher amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be possible under the heaviest activity.
Seven Day Forecast Issued 12:00pm EST -- Fri, Feb 5, 2010
This afternoon Snow. Snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches. Highs in the lower 30s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Tonight Snow. Areas of blowing snow. Snow may be heavy at times. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Additional snow accumulation of 18 to 24 inches. Lows in the upper 20s. Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Saturday Snow. Areas of blowing snow in the morning. Areas of blowing snow in the afternoon. Total snow accumulation more than 2 feet. Highs around 30. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Saturday night Mostly cloudy with snow likely in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Little or no additional snow accumulation. Cold with lows around 12. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60 percent.
Sunday Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds around 10 mph.
Sunday night Partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 10 above.
Monday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.
Monday night Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.
Tuesday Partly sunny with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Tuesday night Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Lows in the mid 20s.
Wednesday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.
Wednesday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Thursday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s.
1:42pm EST - 6:42pm GMT Current Conditions
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Observation for Washington DC, VA (KIAD) as of 1:30pm EST (12 min ago)Temperature 34 °F 1 °C
Dew Point 30 °F -1 °C
Humidity 86%
Pressure 30.18 in 1022 mb
Wind Speed 3 MPH 3 kts
Wind Dir SE 140°
Ceiling 1000 ft 305 m
Visibility 0.75 mi 1.2 km
Wind Chill 31 °F -1 °C Temp | 24 Max | 24 Min | Dew Point | Pressure | Feels Like
Current Conditions Light Snow, Mist
Remarks 0.03" of precipitation last hour.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3" inches of snow on ground at 12:52pm EST .
Other Local Stations: KDCA - Washington DC, DC KFDK - Frederick, MD KHEF - Manassas Municipal Automatic Weather Observing, VA KIAD - Washington DC, VA KJYO - Leesburg, VA KIAD KJYO KHEF KDCA KFDK
Severe Weather Statements
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Type Issue Time Expire Time Expires In
Winter Storm Warning Fri, Feb 5, 9:04am EST Fri, Feb 5, 5:15pm EST 3 hrs, 32 mins
Winter Storm Warning Fri, Feb 5, 11:54am EST Fri, Feb 5, 8:00pm EST 6 hrs, 17 mins
Special Weather Statement Fri, Feb 5, 12:34pm EST Fri, Feb 5, 8:45pm EST 7 hrs, 2 mins
National Weather Service Forecast
Top | Conditions | Severe | Forecast | Sat / Radar | Graphs | Almanac | Sun / Moon | Text
Right Now Issued 11:00am EST -- Fri, Feb 5, 2010
Winter storm warning in effect until 10 pm est saturday. Much of north central virginia east of the blue ridge, and adjacent portions of maryland, will continue to see light to moderate snow into the early afternoon hours. A band of heavier snow continues from lower southern maryland, Northwestward across the southern and western dc suburbs. This band of snow has been generally slow moving for the past hour and will remain over the same general area into early afternoon. Visibilities will quickly be reduced to under a half mile, with localized areas under a quarter of a mile. This snow band will eventually begin to affect adjacent areas to the north, such as southern montgomery and prince georges counties, and into the district. Initial snowfall activity has led to mainly wet roadways, though accumulations will begin in earnest closer to the noon hour across the area, especially under this heavier band of snow. Use caution while driving late this morning as snowfall becomes heavier. Accumulations through 2 pm expected to be under an inch, though locally higher amounts of 1 to 2 inches will be possible under the heaviest activity.
Seven Day Forecast Issued 12:00pm EST -- Fri, Feb 5, 2010
This afternoon Snow. Snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches. Highs in the lower 30s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Tonight Snow. Areas of blowing snow. Snow may be heavy at times. Visibility one quarter mile or less at times. Additional snow accumulation of 18 to 24 inches. Lows in the upper 20s. Northeast winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Saturday Snow. Areas of blowing snow in the morning. Areas of blowing snow in the afternoon. Total snow accumulation more than 2 feet. Highs around 30. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent.
Saturday night Mostly cloudy with snow likely in the evening, then partly cloudy after midnight. Little or no additional snow accumulation. Cold with lows around 12. Northwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 60 percent.
Sunday Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s. Northwest winds around 10 mph.
Sunday night Partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 10 above.
Monday Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.
Monday night Partly cloudy. Lows 15 to 20.
Tuesday Partly sunny with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the mid 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent.
Tuesday night Cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow. Lows in the mid 20s.
Wednesday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s.
Wednesday night Mostly cloudy. Lows around 20.
Thursday Mostly cloudy. Highs in the upper 30s.
Region scrambles ahead of major storm 5FEB10
Ashley Halsey III
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 5, 2010; 6:36 AM
Wind-driven snow will begin to pelt the region with the ferocity of a summer thunderstorm Friday, according to forecasts, accumulating at a rate of three inches an hour during the worst of it and piling up more than two feet deep before it's over.
As the big storm bore down on the region and the record books, people surrendered to what seemed inevitable, preparing to shut down virtually everything that didn't need to be open. If form follows forecast, the snow will begin Friday morning, continue to fall well into Saturday and leave Sunday for the big dig-out and the Super Bowl.
Highway crews rolled out for their third all-hands deployment of the winter season, pre-treating roads and positioning plows and salt trucks, fully aware that nothing in their arsenal can keep pace with snow falling at two to three inches an hour.
"It's just going to be a continual plowing operation and keeping up the best we can," said Kellie Boulware of Maryland's State Highway Administration. "It's going to be a long weekend."
Winter-weary and weather-wise after an abundance of snow this season, residents trudged through the routine of stockpiling groceries and lining up at the gas pump to top off the tank. Facing the prospect of being home alone for the Super Bowl, many dropped by the liquor store.
The region's biggest employer ¿ the federal government ¿ said workers could take unscheduled leave Friday. Those federal employees who do come to work will be allowed to leave four hours early, the government said. and held open the possibility that all federal offices would close early Friday. Most local governments also offered leave or early closures. For the first time in 40 years, the Virginia legislature canceled all meetings during its annual session. The World Bank declared Friday a snow holiday "in the interest of staff safety."
School officials wrestled with the problem that most were out of snow days, before acknowledging the risk of sending school bus fleets out into a blizzard. There were myriad announcements of closings and early dismissals. Fairfax County was the first to cancel classes down in advance of the first snowflake, but Alexandria and Manassas and Spotsylvania, Arlington, Stafford, St. Mary's, Culpeper, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania and Charles counties quickly followed.
D.C. schools will close at noon; Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard and Anne Arundel schools are dismissing two to three hours early.
The storm will ride in on fierce winds and could produce thunder, said Dan Stillman of The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang|http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/. "It's going to be about as intense as you can get around here," he said. "An inch per hour or two inches may be more typical, but you could get up to three inches an hour for several hours."
The Capital Weather Gang said the snow probably would begin between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., intensifying through the afternoon and falling hard most of the night before tapering off Saturday afternoon and evening.
It would be just the third time in almost 60 years that the region has experienced two snowfalls in excess of 10 inches in one season.
Metro anticipated that snow and ice would impede bus service and was prepared to close aboveground portions of Metrorail once snowfall reached eight inches on the tracks and began to cover the electrified third rail.
Amtrak canceled some train service along the Eastern Seaboard for Friday and truncated the routes of other trains.
Airlines relaxed ticketing restrictions to help passengers who might otherwise be stranded, and they advised fliers to check before heading to the airports. "As in the last storm, we are still able to make adjustments as the storm comes along," said Rob Yingling, spokesman for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority|http://www.metwashairports.com/.. anticipating the struggle to clear runways and de-ice planes.
Lines were long at local airports Friday morning, as passengers rushed to get out of the area before the first flakes fell.
D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) declared that a snow emergency would be in effect beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday, requiring residents to move vehicles parked on snow emergency routes to make clearing the roads easier.
The big message from the agencies tasked with plowing the roads was that people should stay home.
The brisk business at supermarkets Thursday indicated that many people planned to do just that. At a Harris Teeter grocery on Capitol Hill lines grew longer than normal at the cash registers.
"I'm being patient. It's not so bad," said Stacy Brophy, 38, as she stood in line with a cart full of bottled water, milk, tortilla rounds and other items.
Brophy, of Capitol Hill, said she put off shopping until the night before the big snowstorm in December and spent 261/27 hours in the store. "After the last ordeal, I was like, 'Never again,'." Brophy said.
At the Giant on Silver Hill Road in Suitland, snow prep was mixed up with the other big event scheduled to dominate the weekend: Super Bowl partying.
"My grandmother already keeps a closet full of toilet paper. I'm here for wings and sodas," said Vel Simmons, 31, of Largo. In her cart were food and soft drinks for a football party. "My brother is calling me like every five minutes: 'Get some chips. Get some ranch dip.' I don't know if anybody's going to make it to the house, but we're going to have enough food to survive two blizzards."
In Fairfax, crowds started gathering before dawn Thursday at the Safeway in the Belle View Shopping Center, stocking up for the snow and their Super Bowl parties. By midday, managers were handing out cookies to harried shoppers; Duraflame logs and ice melt pellets were running low; bananas were all gone; and the lines at all nine checkout counters were backed up into the aisles.
Safeway spokesman Craig M. Muckle pointed out that one thing shoppers will not find at area Safeway stores are snow shovels. "We sold out in December," he said.
The search for tools to battle the snow also proved futile At the Lowe's Home Improvement store in Largo, a sign said, "Sorry out of shovels and salt," but that didn't stop people from flocking in to ask for shovels and salt.
Some school districts are worrying that they'll have to lengthen the school year. In Maryland and Virginia, schools need to be in session for at least a half-day to avoid tallying a snow day. In Maryland, many school systems have taken four snow days this academic year ¿ all they had in their schedules. which is the maximum many have built into their schedules.
In Montgomery County, which has used all four of its snow days, educators will extend the school year if more days are needed, schools spokesman Dana Tofig said. Prince George's County has one day left, after which officials would extend the school year, spokeswoman Tanzi Wes said.
D.C. public schools have not used any snow days this year.
In Anne Arundel County, the schools have used their four snow days this year, and officials have put in a request to the state to waive two of those days, said Maneka S. Monk, a spokeswoman for the school system.
That might be tough, said William Reinhard, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Education. "We take very seriously the 180-day school requirement," he said. "I don't think there's anybody out there who'd suggest that American kids go to school for too many days."
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 5, 2010; 6:36 AM
Wind-driven snow will begin to pelt the region with the ferocity of a summer thunderstorm Friday, according to forecasts, accumulating at a rate of three inches an hour during the worst of it and piling up more than two feet deep before it's over.
As the big storm bore down on the region and the record books, people surrendered to what seemed inevitable, preparing to shut down virtually everything that didn't need to be open. If form follows forecast, the snow will begin Friday morning, continue to fall well into Saturday and leave Sunday for the big dig-out and the Super Bowl.
Highway crews rolled out for their third all-hands deployment of the winter season, pre-treating roads and positioning plows and salt trucks, fully aware that nothing in their arsenal can keep pace with snow falling at two to three inches an hour.
"It's just going to be a continual plowing operation and keeping up the best we can," said Kellie Boulware of Maryland's State Highway Administration. "It's going to be a long weekend."
Winter-weary and weather-wise after an abundance of snow this season, residents trudged through the routine of stockpiling groceries and lining up at the gas pump to top off the tank. Facing the prospect of being home alone for the Super Bowl, many dropped by the liquor store.
The region's biggest employer ¿ the federal government ¿ said workers could take unscheduled leave Friday. Those federal employees who do come to work will be allowed to leave four hours early, the government said. and held open the possibility that all federal offices would close early Friday. Most local governments also offered leave or early closures. For the first time in 40 years, the Virginia legislature canceled all meetings during its annual session. The World Bank declared Friday a snow holiday "in the interest of staff safety."
School officials wrestled with the problem that most were out of snow days, before acknowledging the risk of sending school bus fleets out into a blizzard. There were myriad announcements of closings and early dismissals. Fairfax County was the first to cancel classes down in advance of the first snowflake, but Alexandria and Manassas and Spotsylvania, Arlington, Stafford, St. Mary's, Culpeper, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania and Charles counties quickly followed.
D.C. schools will close at noon; Montgomery County, Prince George's County, Howard and Anne Arundel schools are dismissing two to three hours early.
The storm will ride in on fierce winds and could produce thunder, said Dan Stillman of The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang|http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/. "It's going to be about as intense as you can get around here," he said. "An inch per hour or two inches may be more typical, but you could get up to three inches an hour for several hours."
The Capital Weather Gang said the snow probably would begin between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., intensifying through the afternoon and falling hard most of the night before tapering off Saturday afternoon and evening.
It would be just the third time in almost 60 years that the region has experienced two snowfalls in excess of 10 inches in one season.
Metro anticipated that snow and ice would impede bus service and was prepared to close aboveground portions of Metrorail once snowfall reached eight inches on the tracks and began to cover the electrified third rail.
Amtrak canceled some train service along the Eastern Seaboard for Friday and truncated the routes of other trains.
Airlines relaxed ticketing restrictions to help passengers who might otherwise be stranded, and they advised fliers to check before heading to the airports. "As in the last storm, we are still able to make adjustments as the storm comes along," said Rob Yingling, spokesman for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority|http://www.metwashairports.com/.. anticipating the struggle to clear runways and de-ice planes.
Lines were long at local airports Friday morning, as passengers rushed to get out of the area before the first flakes fell.
D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) declared that a snow emergency would be in effect beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday, requiring residents to move vehicles parked on snow emergency routes to make clearing the roads easier.
The big message from the agencies tasked with plowing the roads was that people should stay home.
The brisk business at supermarkets Thursday indicated that many people planned to do just that. At a Harris Teeter grocery on Capitol Hill lines grew longer than normal at the cash registers.
"I'm being patient. It's not so bad," said Stacy Brophy, 38, as she stood in line with a cart full of bottled water, milk, tortilla rounds and other items.
Brophy, of Capitol Hill, said she put off shopping until the night before the big snowstorm in December and spent 261/27 hours in the store. "After the last ordeal, I was like, 'Never again,'." Brophy said.
At the Giant on Silver Hill Road in Suitland, snow prep was mixed up with the other big event scheduled to dominate the weekend: Super Bowl partying.
"My grandmother already keeps a closet full of toilet paper. I'm here for wings and sodas," said Vel Simmons, 31, of Largo. In her cart were food and soft drinks for a football party. "My brother is calling me like every five minutes: 'Get some chips. Get some ranch dip.' I don't know if anybody's going to make it to the house, but we're going to have enough food to survive two blizzards."
In Fairfax, crowds started gathering before dawn Thursday at the Safeway in the Belle View Shopping Center, stocking up for the snow and their Super Bowl parties. By midday, managers were handing out cookies to harried shoppers; Duraflame logs and ice melt pellets were running low; bananas were all gone; and the lines at all nine checkout counters were backed up into the aisles.
Safeway spokesman Craig M. Muckle pointed out that one thing shoppers will not find at area Safeway stores are snow shovels. "We sold out in December," he said.
The search for tools to battle the snow also proved futile At the Lowe's Home Improvement store in Largo, a sign said, "Sorry out of shovels and salt," but that didn't stop people from flocking in to ask for shovels and salt.
Some school districts are worrying that they'll have to lengthen the school year. In Maryland and Virginia, schools need to be in session for at least a half-day to avoid tallying a snow day. In Maryland, many school systems have taken four snow days this academic year ¿ all they had in their schedules. which is the maximum many have built into their schedules.
In Montgomery County, which has used all four of its snow days, educators will extend the school year if more days are needed, schools spokesman Dana Tofig said. Prince George's County has one day left, after which officials would extend the school year, spokeswoman Tanzi Wes said.
D.C. public schools have not used any snow days this year.
In Anne Arundel County, the schools have used their four snow days this year, and officials have put in a request to the state to waive two of those days, said Maneka S. Monk, a spokeswoman for the school system.
That might be tough, said William Reinhard, a spokesman for the Maryland Department of Education. "We take very seriously the 180-day school requirement," he said. "I don't think there's anybody out there who'd suggest that American kids go to school for too many days."
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