View Full Version : Snow in Virginia
The snows trampled the crap out of Virginia. North Carolina had it worse. Personal note to self: Dig out first, bourbon later. No whining.
14371
Well it looks pretty. :D
This storm missed us, thankfully.
bandycpa
01-31-2010, 09:42
We ended up with only 5 inches total in our little SW corner of Virginia. Not too bad at all. Richmond got it a lot worse this time.
As I type this, the sun has come out, and the melting has already begun. The boys' hopes of another snow day tomorrow are fading fast.
Bandy
Red Flag 1
01-31-2010, 09:46
Eight inches in Central Shen Valley.
Mostly powder here.
RF 1
Well living in NW Pa near Erie, I can't say I feel sorry for you all down there. LOL The only bad thing about that much snow hitting those areas is that you don't have the snow removal capabilities like we do in the North. Stay Safe and Keep Warm:munchin
....................don't have the snow removal capabilities like we do in the North. Stay Safe and Keep Warm:munchin
We got about 1.5 inches here in my part of Fayetteville. They did a fairly good job out on the primary roads but nothing in the subdivisions.
Here's a picture of my driveway looking out to the street. The street is packed ice right now and the "snow" is a ice sheet.
Pack snow and ice are a lot worse. If in the snow there's stuff to cushion me. If on the ice there's nothing for the end but blaspheming and revenge. Keep the ice, Pete, with all due respects.
Second personal note to self: Sing a happy tune while digging.
Ran out of the garage and slid to the mailbox to get the mail this morning. Pulled the truck out yesterday to discover that Fayetteville's finest were out giving warnings to some and tickets to others for being out.
One of my guys was on the phone venting to me that he was pulled over and berated by a police officer for being out, and was told it was irresponsible. He stated nicely that his son and wife have to eat, and if the officer would've done his job in taking care of himself by practicing SA, he'd of noticed the 6 bags of groceries in the back seat.
Let go with a warning, but I'm sure the officer wanted to ticket for being a smartass. :D
I caught on the news that a "State of Emergency" was declared. Somehow here in the Fayetteville area that caught on and everything stopped. I feel for the people hit hard this time of year. We fortunately kept power and had heat. Areas North of here lost some.
So much for global warming ;)
The snows trampled the crap out of Virginia. North Carolina had it worse. Personal note to self: Dig out first, bourbon later. No whining.
14371
That picture is what we used to call a "dusting" when I lived on the west coast of michigan...but it sure was pretty this morning.
...One of my guys was on the phone venting to me that he was pulled over and berated by a police officer for being out, and was told it was irresponsible. ..........
On the subject of venting.
We went to the Ramsey Street Waffle Shop at 8:30 Sat. AM. Family tradition - when it snows we go to the Waffle Shop for Breakfast. Sat by the window and watched the traffic on Ramsey St. Light traffic and didn't see any police cars.
Went here and there during the day and didn't see any cop cars with folks pulled.
What I did see was plenty of folks tooling along at 10-15 mph in 45-50 mph zones on streets that had been plowed. Granny if you can't drive it stay the Hell at home.
Tatonka316
01-31-2010, 12:36
... and if you can't drive in Fayetteville --- PLEASE say out of Colorado! We have so many transplants here that the mere mention of snow in the forecast has a significant number of tourons driving 10 - 15 mph and it hasn't even started snowing yet!!!
Supposed to be almost 50 degrees here in the sunny Rockies today!
Be careful out there to all in the East!
molon labe:lifter
armymom1228
01-31-2010, 12:52
Ran out of the garage and slid to the mailbox to get the mail this morning. Pulled the truck out yesterday to discover that Fayetteville's finest were out giving warnings to some and tickets to others for being out.
One of my guys was on the phone venting to me that he was pulled over and berated by a police officer for being out, and was told it was irresponsible. He stated nicely that his son and wife have to eat, and if the officer would've done his job in taking care of himself by practicing SA, he'd of noticed the 6 bags of groceries in the back seat.
I caught on the news that a "State of Emergency" was declared. Somehow here in the Fayetteville area that caught on and everything stopped. I feel for the people hit hard this time of year. We fortunately kept power and had heat. Areas North of here lost some.
So much for global warming ;)
Son had the samething happen to him. I warned him in a text on Thursday to go get groceries.. yeah right, He has yet to learn to cook. But He did go get food, on Sat after the snow and rain more or less stopped. Called me during the drive (wearing his headset) that there were a lot of people out there doing stupid human tricks in cars.
I heard the exchange with the cop. Who pulled him over just as he was turing into his apt complex. Kid's comeback to the cop, "but officer I was born in Denver." Officer let him go.. he did not tell him he only lived there til he was 18 mos old. He is hiding out today, called me to to tell me it was crazy and that I was right that he should have stayed indoors and gamed on the computer instead.
He wanted to know how to make scrambled eggs.. I suggested he make instant oatmeal instead. :rolleyes:
Meanwhile its 56 here in St Pete, minor rain yesterday and life goes on.
AM
I live in Richmond - it's pretty insane over here. I have a little cocker spaniel puppy that's just full of retard happy love, poor thing can't even move outside (she has to jump up and forward to find a spot to use the bathroom). I ventured out twice to the corner store for a beer run; each time I heard sirens. I guess people thought they could make it places in their little honda civics. The bars were slammed as well, the crowds I saw were way drunker then normal.
hypereclipse21
01-31-2010, 13:08
Try living in central New York. We freak out when it DOESN'T snow...
..... He is hiding out today, called me to to tell me it was crazy and that I was right that he should have stayed indoors and gamed on the computer instead. ..........
It's nice right now, about 34 deg, sunny and a good melt clearing the roads.
Monday morning is going to be fun. People will think the roads are clear and head out at the normal speed. But tonight all that melt will freeze in some nice dark sheets here and there. :eek:
... and if you can't drive in Fayetteville --- PLEASE say out of Colorado! We have so many transplants here that the mere mention of snow in the forecast has a significant number of tourons driving 10 - 15 mph and it hasn't even started snowing yet!!!
Supposed to be almost 50 degrees here in the sunny Rockies today!
Be careful out there to all in the East!
molon labe:lifter
AMEN to that. :D
:munchin
Utah Bob
01-31-2010, 13:50
... and if you can't drive in Fayetteville --- PLEASE say out of Colorado! We have so many transplants here that the mere mention of snow in the forecast has a significant number of tourons driving 10 - 15 mph and it hasn't even started snowing yet!!!
Supposed to be almost 50 degrees here in the sunny Rockies today!
Be careful out there to all in the East!
molon labe:lifter
And then there is the other extreme of folks that think 4-wheel drive means "not affected by road conditions" and maintain their suicidal dash down the streets. They're always amazed when their shiny Explorer ends up crumpled in a ditch.:rolleyes:
I ran shift change shuttles in my truck from the hospital to various places around Fayetteville for Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and again this morning. I saw a lot of people that should have had a northerner or someone that knows how to drive in these conditions shuttle them because of their ignorance on how to drive on snow/icy roads. I probably would have pulled them over too and gave them a warning; the word I got is that the police were to give warnings to people that were a very apparent danger to themselves and anyone else out on the roads by how they were driving. I saw cases where people overdid acceleration, braking, steering, drove 2 miles an hour, etc. I'd assume without being there that both the previous stated case by jbour13 and armymom1228 were this case; most people think their right in these type situations because they don't have enough SA to start with or are forced due to situations beyond their control.
I also saw numerous people with going into Convenience / Grocery stores after the storm hit; most of them were from groups that appeared to meet the lower income bracket and was wondering to myself if it was because they have limited SA of the approaching storm or if it was because they didn't have the money to buy on civilian payday evening before the storm. Either way we were lucky to have the storm do so little in Fayetteville and not power losses from freezing rain accumulation. For the average northerner this storm was nothing here in Fayetteville, but crippling for the locals. Some people ought to read about being prepared before emergencies and not afterward, but that is hard to get across to some people when they're already scraping by. But then there are always those that are just to ignorant...those were the preppy dressed type going into the stores with designer high heeled boots.
While waiting on someone to come out of the hospital this morning, I had some comic relief for me (not the other person). A male hospital staff member came walking out in some crocs and short sleeved scrubs, slipping around on the ice in the low 20 degree weather. He finally got to his $70K sports car and couldn't get it back out; he was gunning the engine and the 6 inches of hardened snow/ice left by a plow behind his vehicle was keeping him from leaving. I watched him and thought; do I enable this guy with zero SA or not, but before I reacted a female in a 4wd vehicle that knew him drove up. She got in it and backed it out with experienced driving skills (understanding that gunning it doesn't help). While he was walking over to the car he fell, so now he was embarrassed in more ways than one. She got in her vehicle and took off, while he gunned it and took off losing control in the first turn out of the parking lot. He finally got it moving again and left, but he's lucky if he made it to his destination safely; I didn't follow him.
Drove from Fort Knox, KY to home in Fayetteville yesterday in a Mitsubishi Eclipse, snow the whole way. NC is by far the worst at plowing their roads out of the states I drove through.
I came to the conclusion after seeing a car spin out across 5 lanes and hit the center divide that 99% of people should not be allowed to drive in the snow. I must have passed around 25 cars off to the side of the road stuck and almost half facing the wrong way just in NC.
Made the 600 mile drive in just under 12 hours.
I ran shift change shuttles in my truck from the hospital to various places around Fayetteville for Saturday morning, Saturday evening, and again this morning.......................
Folks, back in a different life I did what Dan did a few times.
If you just have to get out and drive your 4x4 on a crappy day check out volunteering at the local hopital or other community service. It provides a service, is fun because some of the roads have never been driven on and you can meet some nice folks - and forget the ones who are not.
PS - The cops will not bug you.
And a picture of the fun machine.
My parents live right outside of Ft. Lee. They said they got around 7.25 inches. Proud and glad to be Virginian born and raised, but glad I now live in FL, even though like Armymom said, it was only around 56 today around Tampa.
armymom1228
01-31-2010, 16:40
My parents live right outside of Ft. Lee. They said they got around 7.25 inches. Proud and glad to be Virginian born and raised, but glad I now live in FL, even though like Armymom said, it was only around 56 today around Tampa.
Yeah well, I just walked out of Whole Foods in Tampa, and nearly froze my tush off. It was the wind, not the actual temp., It was the raw wind blowing.
It is 54 out, and Whole Foods had the A/C on. :rolleyes:
Dragbag036
01-31-2010, 18:41
Well, I'm up in Maine at the moment so ......this pic what Ive been dealing with.
Red Flag 1
01-31-2010, 18:42
Yeah well, I just walked out of Whole Foods in Tampa, and nearly froze my tush off. It was the wind, not the actual temp., It was the raw wind blowing.
It is 54 out, and Whole Foods had the A/C on. :rolleyes:
The "off" switch on Fla a/c units is optional:D.
RF 1
armymom1228
01-31-2010, 19:19
The "off" switch on Fla a/c units is optional:D.
RF 1
yeah sure, tell that to these people down here. They bitch about it being hot so they crank the A/C to 60 daytime, then when the temps outside ARE 60 they whine about being cold. :confused:
Dragbag036, I once drove from Bath to Portland in a white out to catch a flight. When I left the Holiday Inn the guy told me not to make the trip. I went anyway. There was 3ft of packed snow on the sidewalks, snowflakes big as a dogs head, and what ever that stuff was that was falling wasn't falling but blowing sideways instead. I don't know why I made it to the airport without being in traction, but I did. Then, sat on my butt for 10hrs waiting for the weather to break enough to get out. The Downeaster guy at the hotel was right. I'm a dumbass.
You're right...what we got in VA was just a cloudy afternoon compared to Maine.
Ret10Echo
02-01-2010, 06:23
Well the forecasters were off (yet again). We ended up with about 8 1/2 inches over here on the "good" side. Drove down from Hagerstown on Saturday afternoon leaving from a tournament. The hour-and-fifty-minute drive turned into three hours plus. Most folks were sane, I think the State was seriously rationing the budget on snow removal (my understanding is the big storm wiped out this years budget) and it showed. One track lane down the interstate.
Yes, the Yukon and Suburban crowd were performing as expected. The AWD on the SUV worked wonders and we were flat-dumb-and-happy all the way down. I did note that probably 75% of the disable vehicles I saw were high-end European luxury sedans and coupes. Bimmers, Mercedes and Volvos along with the occasional mishmash of sport coupes. Of course the Polar Bear Plunge was Saturday and that put a lot of folks out on the road that may not have been normally.
It was a minor blip overall. Sunshine yesterday cleared off most of the pavement and the kids are in school today.
Better the snow than the ice.
Red Flag 1
02-05-2010, 13:46
Here at the base of the Blue Ridge Mtns. 30+" of snow is forecast into late Saturday. This is on top of the 6" already in place. Went out and bought one of the last snow blowers in the area on Tuesday. Got an Ariens Deluxe 27 with two stage auger, six forward and two reverse speeds, huge light, etc..I passed on the radar detector, GPS , and a/c unit:D. Together with my Kubota and its front end loader, I should be able to dig myself and the neighbors out on Sunday.
Once this event is over, we have two more to deal with. One system will blow through on Tuesday, with the second expected the following weekend.
I grew up in upstate NY, was stationed in a few northern bases, including Plattsburgh AFB, and three years in rural Germany. It just pisses me off (age and health issues mostly) to find myself in a position to have to have to have two 4X4's, a bucket loader, and a snow blower to get by in Virginia of all places. I just prey that we do not lose power during this event.
Well, off to begin stage one of snow removal:lifter!
RF 1
bandycpa
02-05-2010, 13:51
Here at the base of the Blue Ridge Mtns. 30+" of snow is forecast into late Saturday. This is on top of the 6" already in place. Went out and bought one of the last snow blowers in the area on Tuesday. Got an Ariens Deluxe 27 with two stage auger, six forward and two reverse speeds, huge light, etc..I passed on the radar detector, GPS , and a/c unit:D. Together with my Kubota and its front end loader, I should be able to dig myself and the neighbors out on Sunday.
Once this event is over, we have two more to deal with. One system will blow through on Tuesday, with the second expected the following weekend.
I grew up in upstate NY, was stationed in a few northern bases, including Plattsburgh AFB, and three years in rural Germany. It just pisses me off (age and health issues mostly) to find myself in a position to have to have to have two 4X4's, a bucket loader, and a snow blower to get by in Virginia of all places. I just prey that we do not lose power during this event.
Well, off to begin stage one of snow removal:lifter!
RF 1
Stay safe up there RF 1. We've been fortunate here in our little part of SW Virginia so far. Mostly rain and high wind. Areas around us have started getting snow, but we appear to have missed it this time...so far.
Bandy
Red Flag 1
02-05-2010, 14:00
Stay safe up there RF 1. We've been fortunate here in our little part of SW Virginia so far. Mostly rain and high wind. Areas around us have started getting snow, but we appear to have missed it this time...so far.
Bandy
Thanks amigo!!
Be well!
RF 1
Stay safe up there RF 1. We've been fortunate here in our little part of SW Virginia so far. Mostly rain and high wind. Areas around us have started getting snow, but we appear to have missed it this time...so far.
Bandy
Bandy,
Watch out for that rain and high wind! Power outages, and downed power lines causing fires to start etc... :eek:
Around here, we are expecting another storm to hit Sunday...we will see.
Be Safe!:)
Holly
Here at the base of the Blue Ridge Mtns. 30+" of snow is forecast into late Saturday. This is on top of the 6" already in place. Went out and bought one of the last snow blowers in the area on Tuesday. Got an Ariens Deluxe 27 with two stage auger, six forward and two reverse speeds, huge light, etc..I passed on the radar detector, GPS , and a/c unit:D. Together with my Kubota and its front end loader, I should be able to dig myself and the neighbors out on Sunday.
Once this event is over, we have two more to deal with. One system will blow through on Tuesday, with the second expected the following weekend.
I grew up in upstate NY, was stationed in a few northern bases, including Plattsburgh AFB, and three years in rural Germany. It just pisses me off (age and health issues mostly) to find myself in a position to have to have to have two 4X4's, a bucket loader, and a snow blower to get by in Virginia of all places. I just prey that we do not lose power during this event.
Well, off to begin stage one of snow removal:lifter!
RF 1
How about this.... This is my third year in the DC area. Had a snowblower that I have not used since moving here so this summer I took it to my dad in VT so that he would have a second smaller one and it wouldn't be in my way. Now this year we hit the snow jackpot. Go figure!
bandycpa
02-05-2010, 14:25
Bandy,
Watch out for that rain and high wind! Power outages, and downed power lines causing fires to start etc... :eek:
Around here, we are expecting another storm to hit Sunday...we will see.
Be Safe!:)
Holly
Holly,
Will do. The power has been flickering here this afternoon a bit. Hopefully this storm will be on its way in no time.
Be careful this weekend. We'll be looking for your Sunday storm on Tuesday. :D
Bandy
Ret10Echo
02-05-2010, 15:18
Snow started here on at about 12:15 (I was in the gun shop :D)
To quote Harry Gant "Oh Hell...here we go again." State is already 10 Million in the hole on snow removal. County isn't doing much better.
Went around the cul-de-sac and made sure everyone had their cars up in their driveway. Last go-around the cars were in the way so the county abandoned us.
This is a much wetter composition. (Check your wax boys looking like Red/Silver)
Kyobanim
02-05-2010, 15:25
How about this.... This is my third year in the DC area. Had a snowblower that I have not used since moving here so this summer I took it to my dad in VT so that he would have a second smaller one and it wouldn't be in my way. Now this year we hit the snow jackpot. Go figure!
So, you're the cause of all this!
Utah Bob
02-05-2010, 17:45
Hey. How come when my place starts to look like Lower Slobbovia no one from CNN/FOX/TWC comes out to do a story, hmmmmm??:p
Hey. How come when my place starts to look like Lower Slobbovia no one from CNN/FOX/TWC comes out to do a story, hmmmmm??
Good question...they runumbered the highway and everything...
HowardCohodas
02-05-2010, 17:56
Hey. How come when my place starts to look like Lower Slobbovia no one from CNN/FOX/TWC comes out to do a story, hmmmmm??:p
It's all my fault.
I'm job hunting. While in Denver in September for a wedding, my wife remarked on the area's beauty and I should consider the area. I cautioned about the bad winter weather. Our hosts called a point of personal privilege telling us that what's in the news is greatly exaggerated and Denver hardly gets any snow and when they do get it it disappears quickly.
I said, "We'll see!"
Thus it's my fault. :p
I'm job hunting. While in Denver in September for a wedding, my wife remarked on the area's beauty and I should consider the area. I cautioned about the bad winter weather. Our hosts called a point of personal privilege telling us that what's in the news is greatly exaggerated and Denver hardly gets any snow and when they do get it it disappears quickly.For the most part, that's true...there is very little snow left here in Fort Collins from a series of storms earlier in the winter...I was up in the high country a few days ago and there wasn't much there, either...
Red Flag 1
02-05-2010, 18:30
How about this.... This is my third year in the DC area. Had a snowblower that I have not used since moving here so this summer I took it to my dad in VT so that he would have a second smaller one and it wouldn't be in my way. Now this year we hit the snow jackpot. Go figure!
Please tell me you did not wash and wax your truck this week!
RF 1
The Reaper
02-05-2010, 18:54
I hope that everyone has plenty of generators, fuel, non-electric heat, water, and lights. Remember that you can use a car battery (or better yet a deep-cycle of golf cart battery) with an inverter for many things, just remember to recharge it regularly before it loses too much power. If necessary, you can use auto light bulbs (12v. DC) and the battery for emergency lighting.
I think that you are going to lose power for a while with this one.
Best of luck folks. Take care and be safe.
TR
armymom1228
02-05-2010, 21:20
I hope that everyone has plenty of generators, fuel, non-electric heat, water, and lights. Remember that you can use a car battery (or better yet a deep-cycle of golf cart battery) with an inverter for many things, just remember to recharge it regularly before it loses too much power. If necessary, you can use auto light bulbs (12v. DC) and the battery for emergency lighting.
I think that you are going to lose power for a while with this one.
Best of luck folks. Take care and be safe.
TR
What TR said!
I am remiss, I should have posted this earlier, 12 volt battery clamp socket (http://www.bestautobits.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=258) you can put a dc power inverter on it and at least run a small heater or as TR said, emergency lighting.
I Have used this, Mr Buddy propane heater (http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10210207____SearchResults) in my studio for 3 winters and it kept me warm.
So, you're the cause of all this!
SORRY everybody.:o
Have fun in it if you guys can.
abc, that avatar of yours makes me laugh. Your ass biter looks like he/she's happy in the snow.
Ret10Echo
02-05-2010, 22:16
Just came in from another swipe down the driveway and walkways (and doggy-runway) before calling it a night. I was determined no to end up with 30" of wet snow to deal with in the morning. Of course by the time I get to the far end of the driveway there is already 1/2 to 1" covering where I started out.
The driveway is only 50 feet long.....:eek:
Flashlights, multi-fuel stove and propane heater on standby.
Night Y'all
Utah Bob
02-05-2010, 22:21
Just came in from another swipe down the driveway and walkways (and doggy-runway) before calling it a night. I was determined no to end up with 30" of wet snow to deal with in the morning. Of course by the time I get to the far end of the driveway there is already 1/2 to 1" covering where I started out.
The driveway is only 50 feet long.....:eek:
Flashlights, multi-fuel stove and propane heater on standby.
Night Y'all
Mine is 700 :(
I'm working on installing lights on the snow thrower for midnight fun during the next storm. Should have a tractor by next winter.
Utah Bob
02-05-2010, 22:23
Good question...they runumbered the highway and everything...
That removed a lot of the ambiance...:D
Have fun in it if you guys can.
abc, that avatar of yours makes me laugh. Your ass biter looks like he/she's happy in the snow.
Loves it!
Just got back in from the 3rd shovelling of the driveway....then walked back through 1" of new snow on my way back into the garage.
Dog love to catch the snow that I throw. He jumped the gun a bit just a few minutes ago and got a face full of snow shovel. Thought he was going to bite me for a second! I guess he thought I did it on purpose and was jonesing for a fight. :eek:
That removed a lot of the ambiance...:DIf I'd known they were going to renumber it, I would have taken the sign by the road at my house...:rolleyes:
0500 EST:
In VA between the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers (north Tidewater), we've had around 8" since 1230 on Friday. Wind has been dancing around the homestead like Ochocinko in the end zone. Wind gusts to 35mph. NOAA is predicting another 8" today for this part of the AO with temps from around 2 to 30f, windchills below that. Bet the northwest and western areas are under 24"+ already, and the rest of their life has got to be worse.
Glad for what I have. Told the 9-1-1 operators I could get to folks if they had to get to the doctor, or to a neighbor. I have a Jeep, just wish I had studded tires, 'cause you can bet we're going to get a scum of black-ice (or worse) over the top before this is done. A 4x4 on ice is just a high-rise toboggan. Useless. Should have chained up. Been sleet, then snow, then freezing rain, then snow and more snow. Like bricks and mortar. The texture is hard as concrete out there right now.
TRs right. Power could go out at any time now, especially if the wind keeps up. Have Coleman lantern (and mantels!) and good little stove, about 24 bottles of fuel, freezer full of leftover chili, water, coffee, dog food, and whiskey. Even a battery radio so I can at least listen to the Super Bowl.
Saying prayers now for folks living without heat and no way to get to the road. There, but by the grace of God, …
Everybody stay safe.
Dozer523
02-06-2010, 06:19
Here at the base of the Blue Ridge Mtns. 30+" of snow is forecast into late Saturday. This is on top of the 6" already in place. Went out and bought one of the last snow blowers in the area on Tuesday. Got an Ariens Deluxe 27 with two stage auger, six forward and two reverse speeds, huge light, etc..I passed on the radar detector, GPS , and a/c unit:D. Together with my Kubota and its front end loader, I should be able to dig myself and the neighbors out on Sunday.
RF 1 You'll be sorry you opted out of those this July. . . when you're still digging out, lost, and it's 90 degrees.
ZonieDiver
02-06-2010, 06:28
I drove up to Cottonwood, AZ yesterday and had a nice lunch. I saw a cloud. :D
HowardCohodas
02-06-2010, 06:31
Saying prayers now for folks living without heat and no way to get to the road. There, but by the grace of God, …
Everybody stay safe.
It's good to have people like you around when we need them. Thanks.
As is my nature, I see humor in nearly everything. Frequently, according to my wife, inappropriatly.
Undeterred, I'll jump in. Just thinking that maybe bringing DC to a standstill is God's way of telling us that Congress will do less harm by doing nothing. Just thinking...
Heck, Howard, even wide open with a tailwind Congress is at a stand still. I think Congress should be responsible for removing the snow around the Capital Bldg. You know, give each a shovel and tell him/her, "Here ya go! Now go out there and make change happen!" :D
armymom1228
02-06-2010, 08:00
Heck, Howard, even wide open with a tailwind Congress is at a stand still. I think Congress should be responsible for removing the snow around the Capital Bldg. You know, give each a shovel and tell him/her, "Here ya go! Now go out there and make change happen!" :D
Would not suprise me if the Rats left the snowed in ship on the last open flights out of DC.
Edited to add; Watching the Weather Channel guy standing there near the Washington Monument makes me sorry I and my camera are not there. I have photographed the Monument in all 4 seasons, The Wall too, but not with that kind of snow or snow at all. It would make such a lovely study in light and contrasts. OTOH, I am so tickled pink to be right where I am knowing its 61 degrees out and not a cloud in sight.
You guys stay inside, stay warm and safe. That kind of storm is life threatening. I think I would forget shoveling, at least for the nonce, its wet and heavy snow. The kind that can tax an unfit body and a aging heart. Not to say anyone here is unfit or aging, but I sure as hel don't want to be typing vaya con dios to anyone over shoveling snow ya know.
MY half ducat's worth.
AM
ps...that snow sure is pretty on the TV ! :D
AM
========================
From the Weather Channel site, local weather and road info for the winter storm region (http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/severe-weather/articles/february-ice-storm-local-contacts_2010-02-02)
Ret10Echo
02-06-2010, 08:39
Mine is 700 :(
I'm working on installing lights on the snow thrower for midnight fun during the next storm. Should have a tractor by next winter.
You realize that your snow thrower modifications will cause the number of UFO sightings in the area to spike sharply :D (Make sure to add a rotating amber light and maybe a strobe.)
Went out and made clear a path for the SUV to get out "just in case" . The other vehicles aren't going anywere anytime soon.
We got the robo-call from the county this morning telling us there was a state of emergency and everyone is to stay at home.
Power is on, coffee is hot. Can't complain. Good time to clean the guns.
You realize that your snow thrower modifications will cause the number of UFO sightings in the area to spike sharply When I lived there, black helicopters were all the rage...there is a substantial number of the population in the tin-foil hat fold...
The county used to plow driveways for folks after big storms...but that was before Bob moved in ....:munchin
Power went out last night at about midnight. Just came back on. I'm very impressed with the power company. Snow still coming down and will be until 10pm tonight. The good news is that the snow has changed from heavy/wet to light and fluffy. That is still not going to save lots of trees. I was out shovelling early a.m. this morning listening to trees in the neigborhood crack and break.
Buffalobob
02-06-2010, 10:04
I have been having a rough morning. I keep having to go out and supervise the shoveling to make sure it is done properly.
Ret10Echo
02-06-2010, 10:05
Power went out last night at about midnight. Just came back on. I'm very impressed with the power company. Snow still coming down and will be until 10pm tonight. The good news is that the snow has changed from heavy/wet to light and fluffy. That is still not going to save lots of trees. I was out shovelling early a.m. this morning listening to trees in the neigborhood crack and break.
I've lost two cypres so far. Actually going to head out and bounce the snow free from the others to minimize the damage.
The electrical power infrastructure in the area is pretty resilient. Last major outage was caused by a boat drifting into the substation......:eek: (Think about that one)
Too bad about your cypress trees, Ret10Echo. So far I haven't suffered downed limbs or tree damage, but the day is still young. The wind is critical to the formulae. If it stirs up all bets are off re: trees and power. Not sure when it was this bad before, and I've been in same house since '91. Good luck. Stay safe shaking the trees free. Could be a steep learning curve!
Dragbag036
02-06-2010, 13:04
Just came in from helping the neighbors clear a path out of their houses. When I was in Maine the past two weeks, we had barely any harsh weather. Now I'm home in the MDW and its like Alaska. Parts of my trees have fell on the neighbors house...no real damage. 80cm of snow (31.49 inches)
Stay safe
NJ pictures RT 206 N
The barns are new painting material and to show another side of my beloved adopted a state
HowardCohodas
02-06-2010, 13:37
Yea, I know the thread is about Virginia,
but,
26" snow in driveway. Snowblower not started in 15 years. Guy who does drive not here yet. Dinner and Symphony tickets in 3 hours. Shoveling snow in my shirtsleeves, priceless. :lifter
16" in the northern Tidewater area (tween Potomac and Rappahannock rivers). High moisture content this time as opposed to last snow. Last time it was this bad was in January '96, and it wasn't this bad. As the stuff melts then re-freezes the problem will be slick roads, black ice, lousy footing, wha, wha, wha. Roads are pack snow, which is never good.
Below is my house. Everybody stay safe digging out. This is the time to remember the axiom, "Slow and steady wins the race".
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The Reaper
02-06-2010, 18:28
I would take it easy shoveling snow, especially if you have not been leading an active lifestyle.
This would not be a good time for a heart attack.
We saw power crews headed north through Greensboro on US 220 and I-73/74 today.
Best of luck guys, I hope that you have the snow till you are tired of it and then it disappears quickly.
TR
Ret10Echo
02-06-2010, 19:15
Snow stopped in our area at 16:55. By 18:30 the sky was clear. Now it's going to get cold.
Had a chance to get out on the snowshoes for a couple of hours.
What's the news on local power outages? Any significant risk to the elderly?
WD, we managed all right in the Northern Neck (north Tidewater area) of VA, but the DC area is reporting about 220k people w/o power tonight. Shelters have been set up, but a lot of those folks are basically snowed in and can't get out of their front doors. In the little burg I'm in we have a kind of neighbor-helping-neighbor arrangement where we check up on folks and help as needed. The major cities don't always have that personal luxury. (Big reason for saving small towns.)
TR is right: folks have to be careful re: shoveling snow. This stuff is fluffy on top (last snowfall was dry and powdery), but wet and heavy down deep. I'm the poster child for bubblegum and twinkie magazine, and believe me, I took it slow and steady. Several breaks, lots of fluids, stretched out first, etc. I'm not always smarter than a bail of hay, but once in a while I get inspired.
Edit Note: Re: the elderly; the local news carried several stories about elderly people being helped by neighbors, and all the stations seemed to encourage folks to check up on those people around them. Hopefully, they will.
armymom1228
02-06-2010, 21:01
What's the news on local power outages? Any significant risk to the elderly?
page full of road conditions, scroll down for power outages (http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/severe-weather/articles/february-ice-storm-local-contacts_2010-02-02)
I called a friend living in Annapolis earlier and he told me that about half the city is powerless.
AM
Dragbag036
02-06-2010, 21:09
Columbia is good, it is a planned community so everything is underground
Twenty inches in the front yard at 3 PM this afternoon in Arlington. I believe more than that fell, because the snow is packed and dense, like it compacted under its own weight. My neighbor and I shoveled a path out to the the main road, but we'll have to go at it again tomorrow morning to bust up the snow dam that the plows leave on the side of the road. Around sunset we could see some blue in the sky. I cannot believe we are getting more on Tuesday.
We went to the Caps game last night and I drove my nephew home to Maryland. I crossed the American Legion bridge on the Beltway from MD into VA around midnight. The MD side was well-lit, whereas the VA side of the Beltway was pitch black. I had to concentrate to not stare at the snowflakes hitting my windshield illuminated by the small cone of light, because it started to get hypnotic. The Subaru ran like a champ, but I never went faster than 30 MPH.
We've been worried about family in DC. They finally surfaced and are safe with others in NY.
The east coast stuff is heavy and icing, good luck everyone.
Be careful,
WD
Good news about the family, WD. Expect they'll be in NY for a while before they're able to get back home. BWI and Dulles are closed until Monday. National is open but no flights in or out. I wouldn't make the drive from NY to DC in this stuff unless I was terminal.
We talked to the kids last night. They live just off the North side of Ft Belvoir. Measured 28 inches in the front yard. They live in an area where all their utilities are under ground, so icing and tree damage doesn't hit the power lines.
Our 4 yo G-daughter is ecstatic,, for now. I'm guessing, in another day or so, she & her 15 month old sis are going to be climbing the walls..
Huff9337
02-07-2010, 05:34
Live in the part of Texas that only had 5 days of cold and rain. Do not miss the snow and ice. Ya'll can have all that fun...TH
.........Our 4 yo G-daughter is ecstatic,, for now. I'm guessing, in another day or so, she & her 15 month old sis are going to be climbing the walls..
Kids are smarter than us some times. She'll be happy as long as she can keep going out to play, get cold & soaking wet, come in to dry off & warm up and then do it all over again with a nap here and there - as long as the parent can keep up. Parents need to tag team the kids at a time like this.
Parents get POed with the wet cloths, melting snow prints through the house and worry the kids will get sick. Relax FOGs and be a kid again for the next few days. Make some memories - your kids will thank you years from now.
And people wonder why I have sleds in the storage building for years - until it snows:D
Buffalobob
02-07-2010, 06:37
The sun is out but the temperature is too cold for it to do any good and we have one lane plowed down our street.
The real problem is that the main roof has dumped snow off onto the addition roof which is minimum BOCA slope. I think we are at max design load.
I'm no weatherguesser, but from what is understood about the science, most of the snow removal that goes on when it's cold but clear is not by melting but by evaporation. Guess there's a difference. Long as it goes away!
Biggest caution now is watch out for black-ice, or any kind of ice for that matter (unless it's in the glass). Also, be careful in the event you don't have "snow-hooks" on your roof that snow when sliding off in chunks and sheets doesn't rip out your gutters/downspouts on the way down. Not a lot you can do about it now except make sure you're not underneath.
We're scheduled for another pass of snow Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday (most of the day). As cold as the air is right now it'll probably be in the form of snow, but if it's sleet/freezing rain standby for ice on trees, etc. Windchill right now is around 5f.
Not a good morning to be a Waterman...
HowardCohodas
02-07-2010, 06:51
And people wonder why I have sleds in the storage building for years - until it snows:D
I knew there was something about you that I deeply admired. :cool:
Good news about the family, WD. Expect they'll be in NY for a while before they're able to get back home. BWI and Dulles are closed until Monday. National is open but no flights in or out. I wouldn't make the drive from NY to DC in this stuff unless I was terminal.
They have another home in the city, but closer to kids was their intent.
In DC, there alone, despite a 40 year career.
....... but from what is understood about the science, most of the snow removal that goes on when it's cold but clear is not by melting but by evaporation........
What's the water in your snow? CoCoRaHS wants to know.
http://www.cocorahs.org/
I signed up last year and am one of the reporting stations in my county.
You need one of these - I got two and use the second 4" tube to switch out on frozen mornings. I have the CoCoRaHS guage in the back yard and a Lowes Special out by the street. They do not measure the same amount.
http://www.weatheryourway.com/cocorahs/rgcoco.htm
The site has detailed instructions on snow fall and water content but you could just use a 4" tube of pipe sharpened at one end, push down through the snow to a flat surface, use a flat object to cut off the bottom, bring inside, melt and then pour into an accurate rain guage. A bit hard when it snows - but can be fun if you get the kids involved - Science ya' know:D
Ret10Echo
02-07-2010, 08:37
What's the news on local power outages? Any significant risk to the elderly?
W.D. The news threw the stats up for the power providers in the DC area. PEPCO (DC) had the largest numbers still out (60k) followed by Dominion (VA) and BGE (MD) a distant third at about 16k.
Most folks are unable to move still other than by LPC. The single swath plowed by the County LOOKS like a clear road but at this point it is a sheet of ice. The paths that are currently cut are not for people to head out to the store, but are there for emergency vehicle access. I don't think that is well known.
The sunlight today may provide a brief respite, but tomorrow morning this is going to be a luge run.
Anybody in the DC metro that depends on surface-run public transportation is out of luck. Only underground metro links are operational. No plans for bus service today.
I have no reason to be out there now so I will hang out at the house. May take another cruise on the snowshoes and get some photos.
Pete, that looks like kind of a fun thing. I have been wanting to get a weather station setup anyways, something with recordable pressure, humidity, wind, etc. The rain gauge/snow measuring device looks like it'd fit right into the plan. According to the website you linked there's noting noted for Westmoreland County (home plate). Thanks, sir!
Ret10Echo, can you send a picture of the snowshoes? Quite honestly I'd like to have a pair in the Jeep in this kind of weather. When there's 12+ inches of snow on the deck you don't just go for a stroll, even when it's in the middle of the night and you're stuck on a rural back road and you really need to!
Pictured below from an elderly lady's house. This is the shed in her back yard. Kind of a habitat for cats. None were inside when it caved in. She wasn't either (thank God).
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Ret10Echo
02-07-2010, 12:23
Ret10Echo, can you send a picture of the snowshoes? Quite honestly I'd like to have a pair in the Jeep in this kind of weather. When there's 12+ inches of snow on the deck you don't just go for a stroll, even when it's in the middle of the night and you're stuck on a rural back road and you really need to!
Larry,
Nothing fancy, just a old pair of magnesium shoes. Probably a little large for what you want. The gate is 4' high in the center. I've had these forever, even while living out in Yuma they were on the wall in the garage.
We had Bearclaw shoes issued also which were available in a much more compact size, but for moving with a ruck these provided a heck of a lot more float. Besides, the more modern shoes were easier for the new guys since they didn't have to figure out how to avoid stepping on their own tails :D
Surplus magnesium shoes can be found for around $50. A new set of recreational or day hiker shoes can be had for around $100 from REI, Bean's or Cabela's. Backcountry shoes will be much more if you are looking for something a little more serious. A set of telescoping poles would be a good addition also.
R10.
Some that I know had good experiences with this style of snowshow. I used a similar pair once and it worked out well.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/57391?from=SR&feat=sr
Not plugging LL Bean - just that type of rounded back, full deck snowshoe with ice grips at the toes.
Power went out last night at about midnight. Just came back on. I'm very impressed with the power company. Snow still coming down and will be until 10pm tonight. The good news is that the snow has changed from heavy/wet to light and fluffy. That is still not going to save lots of trees. I was out shovelling early a.m. this morning listening to trees in the neigborhood crack and break.
About 30 seconds after sending my "I'm impressed with the power company" post, the power went out again and just now came back on.
...and that's all I'm going to say about that!
Another 5-10 inches tomorrow and Wednesday. Maybe more, maybe less, depending on how the system unfolds. Weatherfolks on the local TV stations seem hesitant to throw out any numbers anymore. DC used to sit right on the snow/rain line. Now they are talking about us being in the snow band.
As I was cleaning up yesterday, a strange scene unfolded. Skies were blue, and the sun was out, temperature in the mid-20's. A caravan of six snowplows came down Route 50, Arlington Boulevard and stopped at the side of the road. After fifteen minutes or so, one of the plows turned towards the snow dam at the side of the road and proceeded to bust up a section, like he was trying to clear a path at one of the driveways. He would back up, then plow deeper and deeper into the side of the road. On his sixth pass or so, the truck got stuck and could not wiggle out. They finally hooked up a chain to another truck and pulled him out, but not before the blade on the pulling trunk busted with a loud CLUNK. I snapped some pictures with my Blackberry at the max 2x zoom setting.
The other pictures are of the GW Parkway, which is always a beautiful drive in any weather.
Red Flag 1
02-08-2010, 10:49
My little piece of the Shen Valley saw 20" accumulate over the weekend.
Another 4-8" forecast from this evening into Wednesday. This is reminding me of my days in Syracuse, and Plattsburgh, NY. My snow-thrower and front end loader are both seeing a lot of use.
Like the snow plow story....no good deed goes unpunished.
RF 1
craigepo
02-08-2010, 11:09
I hope this doesn't come to pass for you Virginia folks, but here in Missouri, we are getting another 6 inches as I write this. Oftentimes, these snows move west to east. As I said, hope it does't happen, but you might get ready for round 2
I hope this doesn't come to pass for you Virginia folks, but here in Missouri, we are getting another 6 inches as I write this. Oftentimes, these snows move west to east. As I said, hope it does't happen, but you might get ready for round 2
Thanks, Your Honor. Hopefully, with this go-around the snow won't be as wet, and won't drag down more power lines and collapse more roofs. With the local states in the throes of full-blown budget crises, snow removal budgets have been exhausted, and school snow days have been used up. It should be interesting.
I hope this doesn't come to pass for you Virginia folks, but here in Missouri, we are getting another 6 inches as I write this. Oftentimes, these snows move west to east. As I said, hope it does't happen, but you might get ready for round 2
Sorry to say, Sir, but I think your forecast is correct! Down the road from you here in OK, we have had a very wet morning, lots of snow, now a break, and more headed this way...
Keeping fingers and toes crossed for all, wow!:eek: Remember...roast 'em if you got 'em!~;)
Holly
IrishYanksFan
02-08-2010, 15:12
Today at George Washington University we got the first snow day in a very long time....I'm keeping my fingers crossed for another on Wednesday.
weather repot fr my zip is for another 10-20".
house now at a balm 60degrees. have the heater set at 75. will keep the furnace cranking until we get done with the netx snow.
I want the house warmer in case we lose power again.
Ret10Echo
02-08-2010, 18:01
weather repot fr my zip is for another 10-20".
I hear ya brother. Another layer of icing. Forecast I saw for over here was snow starting then ice pellets. Should be a hoot considering the neigborhood streets are still single lane cart paths.
Kids are out of school again tomorrow. Waiting on the decision from OPM. I am not sure what the options will be. Yesterday the bus company wasn't sure when they would be able to get the buses out of the yard.
I think the county has decided just to sit back and wait for the waves to stop breaking. We haven't seen a plow since Saturday night. My brother called to tell me that he and his neighbors finally got fed up and formed a shovel/snowblower brigade. They dug a single lane out of the neighborhood. How's that for bonding?
Hope everyone's power is resilient.
R10
I hear ya brother. Another layer of icing. Forecast I saw for over here was snow starting then ice pellets. Should be a hoot considering the neigborhood streets are still single lane cart paths. R10
Sir,
Hope ya;ll are five-by-five! Have contacted some friends back east...and it just does not look good...Be safe and warm...and roast 'em if you got 'em!:o
Holly
Red Flag 1
02-08-2010, 18:54
Forecast total here keeps climbing..now up to 12"; seems to be the forecast trend this winter. My dogs are looking at outfitter's catalogs for canine snow shoes....if they find canine skis I'm hosed!!
RF 1
Ret10Echo
02-09-2010, 06:24
Forecast total here keeps climbing..now up to 12"; seems to be the forecast trend this winter. My dogs are looking at outfitter's catalogs for canine snow shoes....if they find canine skis I'm hosed!!
RF 1
It has gotten to the point where every time we go out to the 20' x 40' area I cleared for the dog, she looks at me like "This is it??....AGAIN...waddayou nuts?"
The Fed is closed in DC again today (Millions are breathing a sigh of relief). Thank goodness for telework or I would be so far behind. I don't expect Wednesday to be a work day either.
Thinking about getting one of these since the State can't seem to get the whole "clear the roads" thing down.
:D
Utah Bob
02-09-2010, 06:50
The "D.C. Shuts Down" headlines are probably cause for a lot of chuckles in Moscow.
Ret10Echo
02-09-2010, 07:31
The "D.C. Shuts Down" headlines are probably cause for a lot of chuckles in Moscow.
A lot of chuckles anywhere that isn't full of a bunch of "Pork eatin' flatlanders". ;)
......Thinking about getting one of these since the State can't seem to get the whole "clear the roads" thing down.
:D
I think they come in a kit. I've seen pictures of them mounted on 4WD pickups before.
KI Sawyer AFB in the UP, where I grew up as a kid in the 60s, had a couple of Weasels. Looked sorta' like a 113 with wider tracks. The base used them for general running around and emergency transport when the weather really got bad. When the weather "really got bad" all the plows and snowthrowers were dedicated to the runway area for the B-52s and Tankers.
Track kit link
http://www.mattracks.com/
Larry, your picture of your neighbor's shed got me to thinking,,,
I just sent my kids a warning note about their 2nd story back porch.
It's only 10 yrs old, typical 2x6 PT deck, on 2x10 stringers, with three(3) 6x6 columns & 2x12 joist. . It's in good shape, no rot..
It's 10 ft x 24.
10 ft x 24 ft x 3 ft of snow = 720 cu ft of snow,, give or take
720 cu ft x 15 lbs per = 10800 lbs of snow
10800 x 150 lbs(avg wt of friends) = 72 people
Can your porch hold 72 people??
Ken Hellevang from the University of North Dakota says, "The weight of snow varies greatly. Light fluffy snow may only weigh about seven pounds per cubic foot. More average snow may weigh 15 pounds per cubic foot and drifted compacted snow may weigh 20 pounds or more..."
Source: [url]http://www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/coping/snowload.htm [url]
Attached is a before & after porch pic.. I don't have a concern with the columns, but I do with the deck and the rim joists attached to the house.
I know,, :eek::eek:
A worry wart with TMI,, :eek::eek:
How you gonna act???
Can your porch hold 72 people??
You're right on the mark, JJ. Below pics of the front and back of her house taken yesterday. This morning there was no more snow on the upper portion of the roof. It had all slid down to the porch. As you can see the ice is hanging in canine teeth and anyone/thing found under them when the patch finally slides down will be impaled. Have warned her to stay away from the front steps. My guess is about 5k + pounds on the porch and around 10k + on the back of her house. It is what it is for now. Nothing to do but wait. We're supposed to get rain/sleet with ~ 0.10" of ice accumulation this afternoon, changing to snow with another 4-8" accumulation thru tomorrow. Experience has proven in this area that the more accurate measurement guess would be another 10-14" with 0.25" of ice. The addition of the liquid will undermine the snow pack and cause it to slide. The ice coupled with much wind will mean a loss of power.
The lady is 84yrs old and has about 10-15 cats and a Chocolate Lab. None of which she is willing to leave for even a short period. Stubborn Irish Catholic NYC born and raised gal. Have tried to get her out of there. Got her out for a short run to the supermarket early this morning to get more cat food than the Cat Lady of Alcatraz would use in a year! She insisted on getting bread, too. "It's for the poor birds," she said. "What kind of food do you have for yourself?" I asked. "Oh, I'm fine. I have tuna!" (Gads!) She's my ex-mother-in-law, and I'm the only immediate caregiver she has. Ironic.
Plan of Action is to react...a lousy plan, I know.
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robert2854
02-09-2010, 09:42
That snow is pretty, and being from DC(Takoma Park,MD) I really miss the snow since I retired and live in Tenn, now. It6's lovely toook at, but I don't thyink I could dig it out. We only got about 2-3 inches here in Eastern Tenn, in valley, not the mountains.
I quess it doesn,t apply anymore but, KILL A COMMIE FOR MOMMY"
..Plan of Action is to react...a lousy plan, I know.........
I take it the Fire Places (4?) don't work anymore? Not used in ages?
Nice to have at least one room with a gas log fire place - just in case.
"Felony Snowball Tossing Charges Lodged
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2010/0209101snow1.html
FEBRUARY 9--Felony snowball throwing charges have been leveled against two Virginia college students for allegedly pelting a city plow and an undercover police car during Saturday's blizzard. Charles Gill and Ryan Knight, both 21, were nabbed by cops in Harrisonburg, where they attend James Madison University. According to police, the pair first targeted a city plow last Saturday afternoon. The driver responded by calling cops to report the frosty fusillade. When police responded to the scene in a bid to identify the assailants, their unmarked vehicle also came under an icy assault. Gill and Knight, a guard on JMU's basketball team, were then apprehended and booked into jail for throwing missiles at occupied vehicles, a felony. Gill (top) and Knight are pictured below in Rockingham County Sheriff's Office mug shots. If convicted of the felonious snowball tossing, the men each face between one and five years in prison, and a maximum $2,500 fine........"
Up where D#2 goes to school, App State, it's in the student rule book - no throwing snowballs. The penalty for throwing snowballs is more harsh than being caught with drugs or booze in your room. I asked D#2 about this and she said it was because years back some skinny kid threw a snowball and hit a football jock and the jock half beat him to death - so no throwing snowballs.
Hmmmm, thought on it a bit but sounds like something a college would consider reasonable.
I never realized how quiet it gets here in IL, when DC is shut down. All my meetings/VTCs/telecons that filled up my calendar all week have been cancelled. Can we shut DC down permanently????:lifter
You're right about the fireplaces, Pete. All either closed off or fractured and not safe to use. House was built in 1830. She does have propane logs in her front parlor, which is consolation. However, the CO2 it creates displaces too much O2 over a long period, so she can use it only for brief periods.
As for the snowball fight...you'd think the LEOs up there would have something more to fret about. Our local sheriff's office has been informed that their budget will be cut by $244k next year, and that will equate to reduced traffic citations (to reduce number of court dates deputies will have to be available to support (paid for)), and the elimination of 4 P/T positions and 2 F/T deputies, and probably going from 24/7 to 16/7. I guess the guys around James Madison have some extra money to spend.
armymom1228
02-09-2010, 12:07
You're right about the fireplaces, Pete. All either closed off or fractured and not safe to use. House was built in 1830. She does have propane logs in her front parlor, which is consolation. However, the CO2 it creates displaces too much O2 over a long period, so she can use it only for brief periods.
What about getting some neighbors together and giving her a gift of fixing the fireplaces for her? watching Craig's list for free wood or talking to a local tree company into dropping off some logs you can cut up for her. You are a good guy for helping her. :)
Our local sheriff's office has been informed that their budget will be cut by $244k next year, and that will equate to reduced traffic citations (to reduce number of court dates deputies will have to be available to support (paid for)), and the elimination of 4 P/T positions and 2 F/T deputies, and probably going from 24/7 to 16/7. I guess the guys around James Madison have some extra money to spend.
The City of Tampa faced with a revenue shortfall seems to have upped the ante on citations. I know of at least 3 speed traps set up around the city that are brining in major bucks. I got caught in one last December. I now drive about 5 miles out of my way to avoid that exit off I-275 off the Howard Franklin Bridge.
Buffalobob
02-09-2010, 12:09
ON RAPPEL
Safeway is out of food. There are no twinkies and milk left and I have eaten up all the crows I killed and can’t get out to get some more. Down to less than half a case of beer and things are getting desperate. I found a bag of 13 bean soup in the kitchen cabinet and decided to put some of it out for bait. In order to get a good angle of fire on the bait, I had to clear a shooting position on the roof. So I rappelled out of the bedroom window with my milspec SF sniper school snow shovel and made me a shooting position. It had been some number of years since I had done any rappelling but after tying off to a number of different body parts I finally settled for around the waist.
The range to the squirrels will be 23 meters. I have a cosine angle of 53 degrees so I’ll have to correct the ballistic chart for my Crossman 760 which has a muzzle velocity of 625 fps. It is very important to make a kill with every shot. The neighbors will take a dim view of a wounded squirrel crawling across the top of the snow in their yard with its intestines hanging out leaving blood and goop every where.
It's survival time and a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do. :D Only the strong survive!
Dozer523
02-09-2010, 12:10
St Louis got clobbered last night with 4 inches.
The Horror, the horror.:D
ON RAPPEL
Safeway is out of food. There are no twinkies and milk left. . . and I have eaten up all the crows I killed and can’t get out to get some more. Down to less than half a case of beer and things are getting desperate. :D Sounds like the beginning of Alas Babylon or The Road. The hip waders are a nice touch. Regarding the clothesline (call it "whatever" you want) remember the three points of contact rule. get flat and stable quick so when you land in the snowbank you're making you might spread out the force.
Good luck. Watch for Zombies. It can always get worse. . .
Red Flag 1
02-09-2010, 12:11
It has gotten to the point where every time we go out to the 20' x 40' area I cleared for the dog, she looks at me like "This is it??....AGAIN...waddayou nuts?"
The Fed is closed in DC again today (Millions are breathing a sigh of relief). Thank goodness for telework or I would be so far behind. I don't expect Wednesday to be a work day either.
Thinking about getting one of these since the State can't seem to get the whole "clear the roads" thing down.
:D
I think you're going to see more snow than I will this time. I look at Crown Weather; www.crownweather.com, US Weather page, has great maps , etc. Later this week the subtropical jet will migrate more south, and keep the moisture flowing over SC,GA,FL; the break will be great!! There does seem to be a costal event into next weekend.
Switched my dogs to Dog Fancy and hid the outfitters catalogs, got four of the critters.
Great 4X4 pic......an old Sherman might me better here for the loony's in their 4X4's trying to discover the speed of light on hard packed snow.
Be well up there!!
RF 1
armymom1228
02-09-2010, 12:27
I am using The Weather Underground (http://www.wunderground.com/) for weather. It is run by the U of Mich Meteorology Dept.
I have a friend living aboard in Annapolis. Got an email today from him crowing about the virtues of Yaktrax. (http://www.yaktrax.com/products.aspx)
On another note it is raining here in St Pete. Weather gurus tell me it will be over in a few hours. National Weather service in Ruskin, FL has issued a fire alert for Wednesday due to low humidity. I am mystified, its raining now, and will be enough to have the woods wet for the next few days at least. I dunno about those weather guys. I think they need to change the brand of crack they smoke. :D:D
AM
Red Flag 1
02-09-2010, 12:34
Mom,
It's all politics. Think how bad this would be without global warming:eek:. Why just the outer day, I captured a snowflake and took it's rectal temperature. Guess what; all the way up to 29 F!!
RF 1 :munchin
Love that Subie with the tracks! I am thinking that tire chains will have to be part of the kit now. This is our first major snow without a truck, and just like there is no substitute for cubic inches, there ain't no substitute for ground clearance either!
The only decent forecaster around here, the local weatherbabe Sue Palka (http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/about_us/personalities/Sue_Palka), said last night that we are in an El Niño winter. Well, it seems like the Pinta and the Santa Maria rolled through here too! :D Apparently, the weaker or more moderate the El Niño pattern, the more snow we get.
I'm about to go out and shovel out some more parking spaces for the in-laws coming in this weekend for Tet. It's either pain now or more pain later, so I'll just suck some of it up now.
It is very important to make a kill with every shot. The neighbors will take a dim view of a wounded squirrel crawling across the top of the snow in their yard with its intestines hanging out leaving blood and goop every where.
Bob, you get a couple of those squirrels cleaned and battered up and stretched out on the grill and you'll probably see a line of your neighbors all wanting to borrow that 760 of yours. Especially if you lose power. :D
Slantwire
02-09-2010, 14:33
Drove for the hospital Saturday morning. (Volunteer, bringing docs / nurses / techs to work.) The plows had been busy on the main roads, leaving ~3 hard-packed inches. It was like driving on horribly rutted concrete. I'm not completely convinced that I didn't damage my suspension out there.
Roads are beautiful today. We'll see what they're like after the 10"-15" being predicted for tonight and tomorrow.
Dragbag036
02-09-2010, 18:34
ON RAPPEL
Safeway is out of food. There are no twinkies and milk left and I have eaten up all the crows I killed and can’t get out to get some more. Down to less than half a case of beer and things are getting desperate. I found a bag of 13 bean soup in the kitchen cabinet and decided to put some of it out for bait. In order to get a good angle of fire on the bait, I had to clear a shooting position on the roof. So I rappelled out of the bedroom window with my milspec SF sniper school snow shovel and made me a shooting position. It had been some number of years since I had done any rappelling but after tying off to a number of different body parts I finally settled for around the waist.
The range to the squirrels will be 23 meters. I have a cosine angle of 53 degrees so I’ll have to correct the ballistic chart for my Crossman 760 which has a muzzle velocity of 625 fps. It is very important to make a kill with every shot. The neighbors will take a dim view of a wounded squirrel crawling across the top of the snow in their yard with its intestines hanging out leaving blood and goop every where.
It's survival time and a mans gotta do what a mans gotta do. :D Only the strong survive!
Now that's funny. I thought I had it bad, had to dig the dog a sh-t trench around the house. Now with more snow coming I may have to eat him :munchin. The frau and I went to the commissary and they closed it down right in the middle of shopping, you should have seen the pandemonium, LTC's pulling rank on the pork, CSM's with privates at parade rest while they loaded their baskets with pogey bait. I think I even saw a couple of AWG guys with Captains and First Sergeants giving them the low down on how to beat surcharge.
I grabbed the last of the toothpicks before CSM(ret.) Burrows could get to them in case I needed to parry and thrust my way through the Lt.'s or make a trap for small game.
Ret10Echo
02-09-2010, 18:39
I grabbed the last of the toothpicks before CSM(ret.) Burrows could get to them
THAT is absolutely stinkin' hilarious.....:D
The Reaper
02-09-2010, 21:05
Colonel Moroney would have loved this!
RIP, Boss. You missed a big one.
Glad that everyone is well.
TR
Buffalobob
02-09-2010, 21:38
Colonel Moroney would have loved this!
I was thinking about him today. As punishment for a minor misdeed, he made me be the range officer every Saturday for a month for the 10th Group rifle team. It was so cold and the snow was about a foot deep and just never seemed to melt. All we had was a fire barrel and a thing of coffee. The guys would shoot off of half shelters laid down in the snow. After the end of my punishment the rifle team went to him and asked if he would make me the permanent range officer. I think he figured out that I was having too good of a time with them. :D
Now that's funny. I thought I had it bad, had to dig the dog a sh-t trench around the house.
The neighbors thought I had lost it when I was running the snowblower in the back yard. :D
14567 14568
The neighbors thought I had lost it when I was running the snowblower in the back yard. :D
Our kids did the same for their puppy
And the G-kids got in some play time yesterday afternoon.. The one in pink is our Little Princess (a 4 yo shoe shopping terror) with one of her school mates..
Update: This morning you can not see the trees from the front window, it's blowing so hard.. Schools are closed but Northrop-Grumman is open... Kids are working at home.
:D
bandycpa
02-10-2010, 08:30
I counted my chickens before they hatched. We missed the brunt of the snow last week, and looked like we were well on our way to missing it again. 35 degrees when I went to bed. Light rain with some snow. I thought we had missed this one too.
Then the blizzard hit.
Ice and snow this morning. Temperature was 17 degrees. Wind was howling mad. Not a lot of snow, but the ice has more than made up for it.
Like you TR, I know COL Moroney would have enjoyed this. And oh, the pictures he would have shared with us! They were always awesome.
Miss you COL.
Bandy
Slantwire
02-10-2010, 12:20
Pics from 1100 this morning. Just before I went out to clear the heat pump. Followed by knocking snow off the trees so we don't have any more break.
It's still coming down. (The snow, that is.)
Roads were dry, sky was clear, so I rode the bike to Loveland and back...the temp was around 38...but it was nice to get out on the road and crank the throttle a little...:D
Ret10Echo
02-10-2010, 16:35
And oh, the pictures he would have shared with us! They were always awesome.
Miss you COL.
Bandy
I was thinking the same thing
bandycpa
02-10-2010, 16:45
I was thinking the same thing
Ret10Echo,
Thanks for posting those pictures. Very well done!
I think COL Jack would have loved them.
Bandy
I counted my chickens before they hatched. We missed the brunt of the snow last week, and looked like we were well on our way to missing it again. 35 degrees when I went to bed. Light rain with some snow. I thought we had missed this one too.
Then the blizzard hit.
Ice and snow this morning. Temperature was 17 degrees. Wind was howling mad. Not a lot of snow, but the ice has more than made up for it.
Like you TR, I know COL Moroney would have enjoyed this. And oh, the pictures he would have shared with us! They were always awesome.
Miss you COL. Bandy
Glad you are okay Bandy!!! And well...was thinking the same thing...They were awesome.
Holly
bandycpa
02-10-2010, 17:53
Glad you are okay Bandy!!!
Holly
Thanks Holly. We are a-ok so far. We shut down the office a little early today to get everyone home before the roads re-froze. Looks like the worst of it is over.
I've had enough snow. Seriously. Global warming can take over anytime it wants to. :D
Hope you're doing great too!
Bandy
Ret10Echo
02-11-2010, 06:59
Snow stopped, winds died down and the sun is shining in a bright blue sky....:D
Then I come across this gem in the news....
Police: Man stole front loader, plowed driveways
February 11, 2010 - 6:49am
JESSUP, Md. (AP) - Howard County police say a Columbia man stole a front loader and used it to clear snow from driveways.
The Caterpillar skid steer loader was reported stolen sometime between Friday and Monday from a parking garage on U.S. 1 and Mission Road in Jessup. Police say the vehicle equipped with LoJack was traced to a home in Laurel where it was parked in the driveway on Tuesday.
The homeowners said a friend left the front loader there after clearing their driveway, and police tracked the man down.
Police have charged 40-year-old David Earl Bryant with felony theft, theft, motor vehicle theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and removing or defacing a VIN number.
Electronic court records show Bryant was released on his own recognizance and he did not appear to have a prior criminal record in Maryland.
Dragbag036
02-11-2010, 07:57
Snow stopped, winds died down and the sun is shining in a bright blue sky....:D
Then I come across this gem in the news....
I guess he just had it up to here with Snomaggedon. Last night the frau and I went for a walk and out of no where a 4 wheeler, dragging a guy (all in protective clothing, including full faced helmet) went speeding down Guilford Rd :eek: I guess Doritos and beer on the couch had done its due. I wish I had my camera ready...darn :mad:
Every time I see some bozo in a 4x4 driving like crazy on ice I'm reminded of a film clip from WWII in Germany where a Sherman Tank is sliding sideways down a small hill.
"Just punch it, Leon! This is a tank, for cryin' out loud! What could go wrong?"
Dragbag036
02-11-2010, 12:39
Well, I just finished digging a moat around the house, the neighbors dug a snow cave and we are getting ready for the big one. The Balkans trench warfare has nothing on me. I have strategically placed food and weapons around the yard, Snowpocalypse is upon us. The old stuffed animal around my house have grown restless, we will not let the neighbors takeover our home. I am in charge of the equipment, and the animals, well.... Choose a side.......
RAMBRO standing by
Well, I just finished digging a moat around the house, the neighbors dug a snow cave and we are getting ready for the big one. The Balkans trench warfare has nothing on me. I have strategically placed food and weapons around the yard, Snowpocalypse is upon us. The old stuffed animal around my house have grown restless, we will not let the neighbors takeover our home. I am in charge of the equipment, and the animals, well.... Choose a side.......
RAMBRO standing by
So very cool!!!!
greenberetTFS
02-11-2010, 13:06
Well, I just finished digging a moat around the house, the neighbors dug a snow cave and we are getting ready for the big one. The Balkans trench warfare has nothing on me. I have strategically placed food and weapons around the yard, Snowpocalypse is upon us. The old stuffed animal around my house have grown restless, we will not let the neighbors takeover our home. I am in charge of the equipment, and the animals, well.... Choose a side.......
RAMBRO standing by
D,Heard reports of snow causing roofs to collapse,is this a possible danger for you?
Big Teddy :munchin
Utah Bob
02-11-2010, 13:16
Well, I just finished digging a moat around the house, the neighbors dug a snow cave and we are getting ready for the big one. The Balkans trench warfare has nothing on me. I have strategically placed food and weapons around the yard, Snowpocalypse is upon us. The old stuffed animal around my house have grown restless, we will not let the neighbors takeover our home. I am in charge of the equipment, and the animals, well.... Choose a side.......
RAMBRO standing by
I'm ready!:p
No season like snow season (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12307&d=1244376052)
Dragbag036
02-11-2010, 13:26
D,Heard reports of snow causing roofs to collapse,is this a possible danger for you?
Big Teddy :munchin
At this point I should be OK. The snow has started falling from the roof in chunks because of BOB (Big Orange Ball). The concern now is, will it melt fast or slow. The moat is only the beginning. I need to dig about 2 feet away from the house so as not to flood my basement. HQ6 said she will help me :D.
I appreciate the concern Big Teddy...
Anyone else in the area need help, pm me
Dragbag036
02-11-2010, 13:33
I'm ready!:p
No season like snow season (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12307&d=1244376052)
That pic is awesome,
Private Cowboy responds ‘Is that you, John Wayne? Is this me?’
~ Full Metal Jacket
This is unusal for Dallas / Fort Worth.
Taken in my drive way about an hour ago.
Not going to last long I suspect, but it is pretty to look at.
14623
Dragbag036
02-11-2010, 14:35
[QUOTE=Mitch;314538]This is unusally for Dallas / Fort Worth.
Taken in my drive way about an hour ago.
Not going to last long I suspect, but it is pretty to look at.
14623[/QUOTE
Grew up there, my folks said it started around 6 this morning.
Snowpocalypse, indeed. Thank goodness for the bright, intense, glorious sunshine today!
A common sight around here is icicles hanging off roofs and gutters. Very pretty, but probably not a good idea to be standing under one when it breaks off and falls.
One thing that comes to mind as I sit here and slather my own custom blend of Flexall and tiger balm all over myself: The expert who designed the ergonomic snow shovel with the curved handle surely never shoveled an inch of snow in his life.
I'm ready!:p
No season like snow season (http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=12307&d=1244376052)
Great Pic!!
swatsurgeon
02-12-2010, 00:16
is this a bad time to mention that Phoenix will be in the 70's the next few days?
I left the snow/ice/cold of the southwestern end of Virginia to the land of sand/cactus and the Team Sergeant....warmer by any easterner's standards.
ss
[QUOTE=Mitch;314538]
Grew up there, my folks said it started around 6 this morning.
It finally stopped - we got 12 inches of snow here - DFW airport, about 20 miles east of me has at least 9.5" of snow - which is a record; the closest we have had officially was 7.5" back in the 60's. So this is rare.
My front yard at 2 am - snow just did stop.
14630
Dragbag036
02-12-2010, 08:57
[QUOTE=Dragbag036;314548]
It finally stopped - we got 12 inches of snow here - DFW airport, about 20 miles east of me has at least 9.5" of snow - which is a record; the closest we have had officially was 7.5" back in the 60's. So this is rare.
My front yard at 2 am - snow just did stop.
14630
Ahhhh, so that's the reason for all the family phone calls....Dallas is closed. I only remember 1 snowy Christmas in 1976.
armymom1228
02-12-2010, 12:40
Watching The Weather Channel. It is snowing in New Orleans.
Cousins living on Dog River in Mobile has had snow this morning, its alternating between light drizzle and fluffy snow that doesn't stick.
greenberetTFS
02-12-2010, 13:11
Watching The Weather Channel. It is snowing in New Orleans.
Cousins living on Dog River in Mobile has had snow this morning, its alternating between light drizzle and fluffy snow that doesn't stick.
AM,
It's snowing here in southern mississippi,expect possibly 2 to 4 inches........ :p I'm 49 miles due north of N.O.......... :eek: I don't think it's going to stick........ ;)
Big Teddy :munchin
Red Flag 1
02-12-2010, 16:18
GLOBAL WARMING?
And al gore remains mute........I like that in the gore!
Buffalobob
02-12-2010, 16:25
Let's hope the Daytona 500 doesn't have to be run on snow tires.
Ret10Echo
02-12-2010, 16:37
Let's hope the Daytona 500 doesn't have to be run on snow tires.
Now studded tires at night would be a real treat to watch....
Not sure I would want to be the gas man in the pit though. :eek:
armymom1228
02-12-2010, 18:15
Let's hope the Daytona 500 doesn't have to be run on snow tires.
Naw, but they might need water wings.. It is has been heavy downpour all day. Its sorta partly cloudy now and colder than a mofo though.. I have not only sox on now by my silk thermal undies, geez.. even the cat wants to stay inside. :mad:
Remember - events like this can be counted upon to bring out the best in people and get them to pull together for a common cause...well...most people, that is. ;)
And so it goes...
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Buffalobob
02-15-2010, 14:27
It's Baaaaaaaccckkkk!!!!! :boohoo
Dragbag036
02-15-2010, 14:37
Yep, just finished clearing the deck and hot tub...whew.
bravo22b
02-23-2010, 17:23
I don't know how much coverage this is getting yet, but the second storm that is meant to hit the Northeast toward the end of the week may be another record breaker. There is talk of it being the equivalent of a snow hurricane, with very high winds, heavy rain in warmer areas, and heavy snow. I have even seen someone (Joe Bastardi of Accuweather, I think) talk about 3'-5' of snow in some places.:eek:
If this does happen, there may be major power interruptions, even in places that don't normally lose power for long periods (like where I live).
I just checked something off one of my long term "be prepared" shopping lists. I bought a small (400w) inverter from Grainger. When I replaced my heating system several years ago, I planned ahead and installed something that can be run off a small amount of 120v electricity. Specifically, I have a natural draft gas boiler that only needs electricity to power the electronic controls and several small and efficient pumps. My plan is to run the house heat off of the inverter and my truck battery if we lose power for more than 12 hours or so.
I also have back up propane cylinders for both cooking and space heating if necessary, but I should be able to run the heat in the house for as long as necessary to stay warm.
Hopefully, this will turn out to be less dramatic than some are saying.
The Reaper
02-23-2010, 19:03
I don't know how much coverage this is getting yet, but the second storm that is meant to hit the Northeast toward the end of the week may be another record breaker. There is talk of it being the equivalent of a snow hurricane, with very high winds, heavy rain in warmer areas, and heavy snow. I have even seen someone (Joe Bastardi of Accuweather, I think) talk about 3'-5' of snow in some places.:eek:
If this does happen, there may be major power interruptions, even in places that don't normally lose power for long periods (like where I live).
I just checked something off one of my long term "be prepared" shopping lists. I bought a small (400w) inverter from Grainger. When I replaced my heating system several years ago, I planned ahead and installed something that can be run off a small amount of 120v electricity. Specifically, I have a natural draft gas boiler that only needs electricity to power the electronic controls and several small and efficient pumps. My plan is to run the house heat off of the inverter and my truck battery if we lose power for more than 12 hours or so.
I also have back up propane cylinders for both cooking and space heating if necessary, but I should be able to run the heat in the house for as long as necessary to stay warm.
Hopefully, this will turn out to be less dramatic than some are saying.
Good plan.
Do not draw the truck battery too long before starting it to recharge.
Better plan might be to get a deep cycle marine battery, or better yet, a couple of golf cart batteries to run off of and recharge them periodically.
Don't forget that starting amps can be a lot higher than running amps, especially pumps and electric motors.
Make sure you have ample water, food (low-prep), meds, lights, entertainment (battery operated radios, TVs, DVD players), etc.
Best of luck.
TR
bravo22b
02-23-2010, 20:56
Good plan.
Do not draw the truck battery too long before starting it to recharge.
Better plan might be to get a deep cycle marine battery, or better yet, a couple of golf cart batteries to run off of and recharge them periodically.
Don't forget that starting amps can be a lot higher than running amps, especially pumps and electric motors.
Make sure you have ample water, food (low-prep), meds, lights, entertainment (battery operated radios, TVs, DVD players), etc.
Best of luck.
TR
In some ways, this could be a good rehearsal if I do need to use the inverter. It has a shutoff feature when the voltage on the battery gets too low. Worst case scenario, if it runs the battery down too far, I can jump it from my wife's car (AWD). I won't be using the truck in the snow anyway (2WD).
Water and food are no problem, and we will have hot water as long as the boiler is running.
Entertainment is not a problem. We might not have much in the way of battery operated electronics, but we'll be going old school with books.
The Reaper
02-23-2010, 22:04
In some ways, this could be a good rehearsal if I do need to use the inverter. It has a shutoff feature when the voltage on the battery gets too low. Worst case scenario, if it runs the battery down too far, I can jump it from my wife's car (AWD). I won't be using the truck in the snow anyway (2WD).
Water and food are no problem, and we will have hot water as long as the boiler is running.
Entertainment is not a problem. We might not have much in the way of battery operated electronics, but we'll be going old school with books.
You damage an auto battery by running the charge down very far. Under 80% of full charge and you have probably weakened it.
By the time the auto-shut off works, the battery may still start the car, but it will be permanently weakened.
If you need more heat to cook or boil water, use a gas grill, just keep it outside.
Sounds like you are ready.
Take care, be safe.
TR