Are we definitely getting a ton of snow this weekend???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think that snow this weekend is likely enough that you should make a childcare plan for M, T, W if you need one, and make sure you have a plan for feeding yourself that doesn't involve going to the grocery store on Sunday, or Monday.

I also think it's unlikely enough that you shouldn't plan on leaving to go skiing unless your kids are young enough that missing school isn't a problem, and you have leave to use. Making a refundable reservation might be a good idea though.

I think this is a good call. If it hits, school will be closed for multiple days because it's supposed to get really cold and nothing will melt. This area just doesn't have the capacity to remove snow without some help from warmer temperatures. If you're seriously considering going somewhere else to ski after this storm, you should be there by Saturday because you are going to have a hard time traveling on Sunday.

Its just funny you say the bolded because the warmer temperatures melt and then its closed because of ice. Maybe this area should just invest in keeping schools open? Its not as if its eastern NC that gets snow once every 5 years.

I strongly disagree. Public school budgets are really tight and the DC area is turning into a subtropical climate with global warming. This specific winter storm climatology set-up hasn't been seen in at least 10 years, PP! I do not want my tax dollars to go to winter events that don't repeat frequently, it's a waste of money. I'd rather keep my kids out of school for the rare times it happens.

Umm besides the school property that would not involve the school budget. Its the pre-treatment, plowing, etc. And it isnt rare. The schools close or delay opening for every single cold weather precipitation event lately.

[Anonymous]

You "definitely" won't know until later if you take a calm reasoned approach. Yes, there will be a big storm, yes it will be impactful, but actual amounts are still crazy guesswork this far out. Anything else you here is just guessing/wishcasting. Not sure why you are "owed" a perfect forecast 4 days in advance with that tone LOL

[Anonymous]

We’re going to get some groceries ( had got something also for our dog). We made sure to have some ice melt. Have ski lesson on Sunday but will stay home instead, in case we can’t get home for our dog ( sitter can’t stay overnight). Also it could be dangerous to drive.

[Anonymous]

We were going to go ski Sunday. But probably won't be able to get up there now.

[Anonymous]

My loose guess is we'll get about 8 inches of snow. Maybe less, but then it will be icy, and maybe double that. But in your mind think 8 inches. You won't want to be out and about Sunday or Monday at all except to enjoy the snow.

Tuesday will depend. If we just had 8 inches, many main roads will be fine and side roads will be a dice roll. Sidewalks will most likely still also be only partially clear.

Wednesday/Thursday will be like Tuesday if we get more than 8 inches. Otherwise they will inch towards normal.

8 inches and school will be out Monday/Tuesday for sure, but the whole week is at risk (in APS next Friday is already a day off, so I'm planning on my kids being home and MAYBE we get a bonus day of school Weds and/or Thursday)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In terms of “salt” make sure to get the type that is for single digit temps, calcium chloride. Sodium chloride won’t cut it. Maybe grab a bag of sand to provide traction if needed.

Also, leave hot water taps on slow drip overnight to avoid frozen pipes.

I would only drip my taps if the power goes out and the temperature in my house is heading below 50 degrees.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In terms of “salt” make sure to get the type that is for single digit temps, calcium chloride. Sodium chloride won’t cut it. Maybe grab a bag of sand to provide traction if needed.

Also, leave hot water taps on slow drip overnight to avoid frozen pipes.

I never have done that. Our house is set at temp 73. Is it necessary?

It is in case the power goes out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think that snow this weekend is likely enough that you should make a childcare plan for M, T, W if you need one, and make sure you have a plan for feeding yourself that doesn't involve going to the grocery store on Sunday, or Monday.

I also think it's unlikely enough that you shouldn't plan on leaving to go skiing unless your kids are young enough that missing school isn't a problem, and you have leave to use. Making a refundable reservation might be a good idea though.

I think this is a good call. If it hits, school will be closed for multiple days because it's supposed to get really cold and nothing will melt. This area just doesn't have the capacity to remove snow without some help from warmer temperatures. If you're seriously considering going somewhere else to ski after this storm, you should be there by Saturday because you are going to have a hard time traveling on Sunday.

Its just funny you say the bolded because the warmer temperatures melt and then its closed because of ice. Maybe this area should just invest in keeping schools open? Its not as if its eastern NC that gets snow once every 5 years.

I strongly disagree. Public school budgets are really tight and the DC area is turning into a subtropical climate with global warming. This specific winter storm climatology set-up hasn't been seen in at least 10 years, PP! I do not want my tax dollars to go to winter events that don't repeat frequently, it's a waste of money. I'd rather keep my kids out of school for the rare times it happens.

Umm besides the school property that would not involve the school budget. Its the pre-treatment, plowing, etc. And it isnt rare. The schools close or delay opening for every single cold weather precipitation event lately.

Np. When people talk about the lack of infrastructure to effectively handle snow in the DC area, they're talking about the businesses that the cities contract with in order to plow the streets.

Small businesses with big trucks convert their trucks into plows and have drivers available on standby.

When there's lots of money to be made plowing and the work is steady, businesses and people are incentivized to buy plows and line up drivers. It's easy for cities to find enough contractors. When the demand for services is less predictable, there's more likely to be supply problems.

You see snow every year, but you're not measuring money and manpower. If you were, you'd see that the actual work of plowing varies a lot here year by year.

Of course, you could always start your own plowing business and prove us all wrong...