Half an inch of panic

[nacho]

DC's first snow of the season!

Area Braces for Season's First Snow Storm...the truly cautious weren't taking chances yesterday...At hardware stores across the region...shoppers loaded their baskets with salt and shovels...Youngsters were having visions of a snow day and construction of snowmen, snowwomen and snowchildren...forecasters expected that snow could start to fall "in earnest" as early as 11 a.m...By the time the storm ends tomorrow morning parts of those areas could be under as much as eight inches of snow...

We have high confidence that there is going to be a swath of accumulating snow across the region," Brotherton said. "It's a little tricky to pinpoint where."

Late last night, uncertainty about timing and amounts also remained. In a printed explanation of its forecast, the Weather Service said a sharp dividing line was expected between areas of heavy snow and areas of light snow.

At Home Depot in Waldorf, people were shopping for big-ticket items even before noon, said Charles Gilbert, assistant store manager of operations. "We've sold about four or five of the snow throwers," he said. "They range from $99 to $800. It depends on the horsepower you want to get."

The Trail Blazer Snow Auger shovel also was selling briskly at $34.99. "That's for people who can't do the snow shoveling. It pushes it to the side," Gilbert said.

Aaand the punchline:

...SNOW ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN STERLING VIRGINIA HAS ISSUED A SNOW ADVISORY...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TODAY TO 7 AM EST TUESDAY.

LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPING OVER THE GULF STATES WILL TRACK NORTHEASTWARD OVER THE CAROLINAS THIS AFTERNOON..AND THEN WELL EAST OF THE DELMARVA OVERNIGHT TONIGHT. LIGHT SNOW IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP LATE THIS MORNING...INCREASE IN INTENSITY THIS AFTERNOON...CONTINUE THIS EVENING BEFORE TAPERING OFF AFTER MIDNIGHT. TOTAL ACCUMULATION IS EXPECTED TO BE 2 TO 4 INCHES.

Two to four?!  Come on.

Updates as DC falls into chaos!

[jreale]

A money saving tip from Jody Reale. Instead of a snow blower, use a broom. It works great!

[nacho]

Well, all quiet here on the Snow in DC front.  Gunmetal skies, and I'm anxiously waiting for the Washington Post's "SNOW BEGINS TO FALL IN THE REGION!!!!" headline.

Saddam is stealing the snow headlines I think.

Washington Times reports that double the road crews are ready.  There's nothing to worry about, they assure us. 

There's a collective tension drifting through the city streets.  All prepare for the coming half an inch.

My office prepares:

Since we are getting into winter weather, we want to remind staff of the inclement weather policy, B2.13.  Please note that this policy applies to APA employees scheduled to report to work at the APA building on the day the policy is implemented.  This policy does not apply to staff scheduled to work from home or staff scheduled to work at offsite locations not affected by the incident of inclement weather for which the policy is implemented.

EARLY CLOSING/DISMISSAL POLICY - APA does not follow the lead of the Federal government for closing early.  All early closing decisions are made by the CEO in consultation with the CFO and/or the COO.  If the APA building is closed due to inclement weather or an emergency, employees will be granted administrative leave.  Each department is responsible for developing its own "emergency telephone network" (home and business) to facilitate the sharing of information.  Employees who have access to the Internet can check the website for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to determine the operating status of the federal government

NPR: 

...updates on today's impending inclemency...

[nacho]

A money saving tip from Jody Reale. Instead of a snow blower, use a broom. It works great!

Especially since we've only gotten enough snow where you can use a snowblower without burning it out five times in my life.

[nacho]

Here it comes!!  Here it comes!!  Two inches of death!!

First closing announced:

MARYLAND

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• Charles County Public Schools, closing two hours early; afternoon and evening activities canceled.

[Nubbins]

You lucky bastards.  It rarely if ever snows down here.

Of course, the benefit to that is .4 inches of snow shuts the entire city down and we get to miss a day of work.

[nacho]

And do soccer moms battle it out at the grocery store buying bread (perishable) milk (perishable) and toilet paper (non-consumable) in preparation for being snowed in for weeks on end?

[nacho]

Charles was south of DC, now we'll go north:

Frederick County Public Schools, closing one hour early; after-school and evening activities canceled.

Snow has yet to show up, though...

[stompakitty]

Sunny and  minus 31 here this morning. Bikini season is just aboot over.

[monkey!]

American wusses.

Stopping things for a little snow.

Take heed from Ireland and Scotland. Snow is fun, BUT IT MUST NOT STOP EFFICIENCY!

[nacho]

Mason-Dixon, Monkey.  The great dividing line of Federal loyalty and ability to cope with cold weather. 

The great irony of America is that the capitol city is located in a hotbed of rebel resentment and hatred.  That rebellion has been watered down by a century and a half of material wealth which is directly related to the availability of snow shovels and supermarkets in the winter months.

It is my firm belief that the South would rise if it wasn't for the Snow Shovel Vote.  We will -- I say, we will -- keep your roads clear in the winter!  Vote Bush!

RAAAHHHH!!!!

Two inches, Monkey.  This so-called Union of ours is only two inches of snow from collapse.  Just when the northernmost Rebel and "border" States begin to fall in line with the Noble Cause, you see this.  2-4 inches during evening rush hour.  The armed militia runs home early, families are gathered, meeting halls, taverns and other places where dissenters gather are emptied.

[nacho]

The Washington Post, in their panic-mongering snow update, posts the following pictures:

Note:  IT IS NOT SNOWING YET!  These are from last year.

[nacho]

OH MY GOD!  An INCH! 

Helicopter evacuation!  I'm outta here!

No pass!  No pass!

I'M AN AMERICAN!!!  AAANNNN AMMMERRRICAAAAN!

*whup whup whup whup*

SNOW ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST TUESDAY

THIS AFTERNOON
SNOW DEVELOPING. SNOW ACCUMULATION AROUND AN INCH.
HIGHS IN THE UPPER 30S. NORTHEAST WINDS 5 TO 10 MPH.

TONIGHT
SNOW IN THE EVENING...THEN SNOW LIKELY AFTER MIDNIGHT.
ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATION OF 2 TO 4 INCHES. LOWS IN THE MID
20S. NORTH WINDS 10 TO 15 MPH.

[monkey!]

Stupid America.

[nacho]

The power of stock photos!  Many school and government closings now throughout the Virginia and Maryland Mettymopolitan area, and getting close to home.  Again, it has not started snowing.