You might be wondering why I keep writing about snow. We here just south of the Mason-Dixon line are not used to getting lots of snow. For instance, our total last year was six inches.
This winter season, we had 21 inches in December, then another 4 inches on New Year’s Eve, about 6 inches last weekend and then 4 inches on Tuesday. This is very unusual!
Now, the forecast is calling for another severe storm this weekend (why do the storms always come on the weekend?). It’s predicted to be bigger than the December storm, perhaps totaling 24 to 30 inches! When they start talking about snow in feet, rather than inches, it’s not a good thing.
This is what the counties surrounding Baltimore are saying:
"A severe winter storm, with near blizzard conditions, is forecast to hit (the region) Friday Feb 5 through Saturday Feb 6. Be prepared to shelter in place for 3 to 5 days. Please stay off the roads. Snow crews will plow primary and secondary roads first for emergency vehicles. It may take 36-48 hours after the snow stops before County plows can get to residential streets. Removal and treatment may take several days."
The word “crippling” is also being bandied about. EEK!
at least as city dwellers, we can walk to places with both food and beverages (if absolutely necessary). we stocked up last night though and we're ready to shelter in place all weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on groceries AND liquor! I intend to have enough yummy wine on hand for the weekend and into early next week. If we also get these high winds and icing on Sunday, it'll be worse.
ReplyDeleteFor those of you are weather geeks, or just appreciate good writing, Foot's Forecast is the absolute best forecast in the region, hands down. These guys (and gals) are so passionate and earnest! Here's the link:
http://www.footsforecast.org/
Stay warm, y'all!
Stay warm and safe, Meg! That huge storm looks like it's going to miss us here in Boston (at the moment). Sounds like our Blizzard of '78 on Feb. 5th and 6th. February is such a treacherous month. As I tell my dog before any big storm - it's snuggling time in front of the fire. Make sure you have plenty of good things to read along with a hot toddy.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful photo of snow on branches, Meg. Looks like a b&w abstract or super-veiny marble... nothing at all like "death". In any case, stay snug and warm indoors. Here in So Cal, we're expecting another good-sized rain storm. And while I love to drive in the rain, I don't so much love how other people drive in it, so I'll probably stay right here at home too. Cheers! (followed by clinking of toddies)
ReplyDeleteIt does sound all a bit challenging; but your ideas how to stay put appeal to me as well. Let's hope it's less severe then expected and take the chance to cuddle up inside!
ReplyDeleteDon't forget a few good movies....
XX
Victria
Those branches in the bottom picture are so pretty. Was that Tuesday's snow? The way that snow clung to the branches made everything look like a picture from a storybook.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! What on earth did we do to tick Mother Nature off so badly this winter?!
ReplyDeleteHope you don't have to fight the crowds too much at the stores!
Kat :)
Hollar! I can't wait for the snow. I was out of town for the other big one and can't wait for this round or even more. They keep calling it "snowgasm" on Dcist.com
ReplyDeleteNow if we could only get this on a monday - thursday we'd be golden.
Meg,
ReplyDeleteWhen words like 'crippling' and 'massive' and 'bizzard' are bandied about, it does cause a little worry.
Stay safe and warm!
Kathleen
There are so many rumors about how much we're going to get floating around down here, too. I've seen people talking about 30-40 inches online! Our weather people are predicting huge ranges, from 10 to 20 inches at this point.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a city dweller and these sort of events reinforce the decision to sacrifice land for convenience. I haven't driven my car in well over a week and I don't think I'll be driving until at least next week with all the snow coming. :)
I'm sure Connor is going to have a blast this weekend. My golden, Baxter, acts like a little child when it snows. He loves it!
Stay warm Meg and stock up....xv
ReplyDeleteHarris Teeter and Costco were crazy today! Arlington County said it may be 5 days of clean up...and new storm due Tuesday. Luckily we can always walk back to HT. Should be good skiing in the park. Wish we had a dog to play with in the snow.
ReplyDeleteOMG, I made the mistake of going to Wegmans today......now I am wondering if I bought enough wine!
ReplyDeleteMeg,
ReplyDeleteI hope it is just hype or a false alarm. You'all have had enough snow already.
Keep toastie!
Marjorie
A colleague just referred to the impending storm as "snowmageddon." I love it and am only sorry I didn't think of it first!
ReplyDeleteNow there's also a possibility for another snowstorm on Tuesday. Aaaaargh! I'll be reading Foote's Forecast every day, several times a day, as they update.
Bought my wine, bought my food, have several Netflix movies, and of course Donna's is just right down the street. Last time the whole neighborhood was there -- it was packed for 48 hours, then they ran out of food and finally closed.
EEEKKK is right! and sorry it is always on the weekend, stay warm.
ReplyDeleteOne last caution: dog food and treats. Connor can't expected to suffer this mess. Keep posting and let us know if we need to dig you out.
ReplyDeleteDamn, I didn't stop at the liquor store. I can avoid the 2-hr-plus checkout lines at Safeway and Giant (oh, I so miss Eddie's). Hmm, what to do, what to do.
ReplyDeleteI have no milk.
ReplyDeleteLet's see....
ReplyDelete*Milk? Check.
*Eggs? Check.
*Loo roll? Check.
*Snacks? Check.
*New toy to play with? Check. A sewing machine.
*Dog food? Check.
*Booze? EEEEK! No booze. Will have to brave the weather to get some booze tomorrow.
They already closed schools tomorrow...UGH! Love the snow, but I am a bit sick of shoveling it for sure! I'm giving up on thoughts of spring for the time being...posted on antlers and cozy images today. Guess the snowman up top will be making some new friends this weekend.
ReplyDeletewell, it looks gorgeous is all i can say. we're cold here but no snow! doesn't seem fair! haha
ReplyDeletestay warm meg, and i hope you and connor enjou your snow days. sounds like a fun time to play with your new sewing machine (a hobby i've always wanted to give a go, btw- the possibilities for pillows would be endless. were you inspired by your rag and bone shop?).
ReplyDeletecan you say "global warming". actually, its el nino. you city folk and southeners have had it easy for far too long. up here, you can tell people "from away". just go to the grocery store when snow is forecast (any amount) and they are stocking like they were going to snowbound for months. frankly, i think the weather people are getting payoffs from the stores. during the first big snow back in december (15 inches - 8degreess F - 35MPH nor'east breeze), i was outside taking the plastic off my greenhouse and tying things down so they wouldn't blow around. i bought no groceries and did no stocking up. during the next big one after xmas (22 inches - 0 degrees - screaming west wind w/gusts over 50) i went out and shovelled, raked the roof and did no stocking up. that night they were plowing the road with a bulldozer as the town plow couldn't get through the drifts.
ReplyDeleteso, if i appear callous, i say bring it on - the more snow the better. its great insulation around the house.
PACK RATS - TURNER, MAINE
Love the bottom photo...looks like a downy quilt! Stay warm Meg...and curl up with Connor. xo
ReplyDeleteAfter I stocked up on the milk, bread and TP yesterday, I bought some beautiful, sunny daffadils in hopes that spring would soon be here! Unfortunately, the groundhog said 6 more weeks! Arggg!
ReplyDeleteso how's the blizzard - hope you did not lose power - we haven't had a flake up here - funny - geographic reversal - seems like the middle atlantic is new england this winter! stay warm - build a snowman!
ReplyDeletesend us pictures - stay warm and cozy . the day after a storm it is always majestic -bright blue sky, brilliant sun, sparkling snow - and during the blizzard - the wonderful quiet - i love it.