The ***OFFICIAL*** Washington, DC thread (2 Viewers)

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I never remember the Fed Gov closing when I was a kid and my dad was working. Now, every time there's snow in the forecast, they shut it down. Anyone remember if they used to close as often as they do now?

I think the few times that snow hit during the morning or evening rush has caused them to err on the side of caution now a days. Same with the schools they are in a no win situation...if they close and not much snow it's why did you close...if they stay open and the buses have to drive in the snow...it's why weren't you closed.

Considering how easy it is to telework, the downside of closing is diminished anyway.

 

[dgreen]

I never remember the Fed Gov closing when I was a kid and my dad was working. Now, every time there's snow in the forecast, they shut it down. Anyone remember if they used to close as often as they do now?

I think the few times that snow hit during the morning or evening rush has caused them to err on the side of caution now a days. Same with the schools they are in a no win situation...if they close and not much snow it's why did you close...if they stay open and the buses have to drive in the snow...it's why weren't you closed.

Considering how easy it is to telework, the downside of closing is diminished anyway.

Well, not where I work. If I was scheduled to telework today, then I'd be required to telework today. However, since I was not scheduled to telework today, I'm supposed to be off. I think, but I'm not positive, that it's against the rules for me to work today. Even if it's not, 99% of people who are not required to telework today, will not be working.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I never remember the Fed Gov closing when I was a kid and my dad was working. Now, every time there's snow in the forecast, they shut it down. Anyone remember if they used to close as often as they do now?

I think the few times that snow hit during the morning or evening rush has caused them to err on the side of caution now a days. Same with the schools they are in a no win situation...if they close and not much snow it's why did you close...if they stay open and the buses have to drive in the snow...it's why weren't you closed.

Considering how easy it is to telework, the downside of closing is diminished anyway.

Well, not where I work. If I was scheduled to telework today, then I'd be required to telework today. However, since I was not scheduled to telework today, I'm supposed to be off. I think, but I'm not positive, that it's against the rules for me to work today. Even if it's not, 99% of people who are not required to telework today, will not be working.

Yeah everyone should be on Administrative Leave today.

As far as the whole my Dad went to work back in the day thing, how much bigger is this metro area than it was 30 years ago? How many people from Alabama live here now? I can drive in the snow no problem, but those ####ers can't. Roadways would be like crash'em up derby if people were allowed to go in as normal.

 

[Don Quixote]

I never remember the Fed Gov closing when I was a kid and my dad was working. Now, every time there's snow in the forecast, they shut it down. Anyone remember if they used to close as often as they do now?

I think the few times that snow hit during the morning or evening rush has caused them to err on the side of caution now a days. Same with the schools they are in a no win situation...if they close and not much snow it's why did you close...if they stay open and the buses have to drive in the snow...it's why weren't you closed.

Considering how easy it is to telework, the downside of closing is diminished anyway.

Well, not where I work. If I was scheduled to telework today, then I'd be required to telework today. However, since I was not scheduled to telework today, I'm supposed to be off. I think, but I'm not positive, that it's against the rules for me to work today. Even if it's not, 99% of people who are not required to telework today, will not be working.

Yeah, my wife has telework capabilities, but she is off completely today too.

....Absolutely no accumulation on roads, sidewalks, or parked cars as I look out my window near Metro Center.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I never remember the Fed Gov closing when I was a kid and my dad was working. Now, every time there's snow in the forecast, they shut it down. Anyone remember if they used to close as often as they do now?

I think the few times that snow hit during the morning or evening rush has caused them to err on the side of caution now a days. Same with the schools they are in a no win situation...if they close and not much snow it's why did you close...if they stay open and the buses have to drive in the snow...it's why weren't you closed.

Considering how easy it is to telework, the downside of closing is diminished anyway.

Well, not where I work. If I was scheduled to telework today, then I'd be required to telework today. However, since I was not scheduled to telework today, I'm supposed to be off. I think, but I'm not positive, that it's against the rules for me to work today. Even if it's not, 99% of people who are not required to telework today, will not be working.

Yeah, my wife has telework capabilities, but she is off completely today too.

....Absolutely no accumulation on roads, sidewalks, or parked cars as I look out my window near Metro Center.

There's a lot out here in AA County, Fort Meade has a lot too from what I am told.

 

[tom22406]

Down here in Fredericksburg we got mostly rain with a short period of sleet/snow to cap it off.

Stuck basically nowhere except the grass and cars.

 

[Mr. Ected]

I never remember the Fed Gov closing when I was a kid and my dad was working. Now, every time there's snow in the forecast, they shut it down. Anyone remember if they used to close as often as they do now?

I think the few times that snow hit during the morning or evening rush has caused them to err on the side of caution now a days. Same with the schools they are in a no win situation...if they close and not much snow it's why did you close...if they stay open and the buses have to drive in the snow...it's why weren't you closed.

Considering how easy it is to telework, the downside of closing is diminished anyway.

My wife's company (CPA firm) follows gov't. although they say for the upper people, you should be prepared to work from home on those days; and since she works from home 2 days a week, she's kinda screwed!

 

[TobiasFunke]

If anyone has some relatives in town for the holidays that are stuck in your basement or something and want a hotel room downtown tonight, let me know. Had to use some hotel points before Dec 31, got a room at the Donovan House at 14th and M and a $50 food/booze credit for my in-laws but now they can't use it. All you'd have to do is meet me on my way home from work so I could get you the key and food/drink credit.

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

If anyone has some relatives in town for the holidays that are stuck in your basement or something and want a hotel room downtown tonight, let me know. Had to use some hotel points before Dec 31, got a room at the Donovan House at 14th and M and a $50 food/booze credit for my in-laws but now they can't use it. All you'd have to do is meet me on my way home from work so I could get you the key and food/drink credit.

This doesn't sound fishy at all.

 

[TobiasFunke]

If anyone has some relatives in town for the holidays that are stuck in your basement or something and want a hotel room downtown tonight, let me know. Had to use some hotel points before Dec 31, got a room at the Donovan House at 14th and M and a $50 food/booze credit for my in-laws but now they can't use it. All you'd have to do is meet me on my way home from work so I could get you the key and food/drink credit.

This doesn't sound fishy at all.

I was aware of how fishy it sounded when I posted it. You'd just have to trust me, the guy with the Tobias Funke alias/avatar, to not be some sort of bizarre sexual fetishist or predator.

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

If anyone has some relatives in town for the holidays that are stuck in your basement or something and want a hotel room downtown tonight, let me know. Had to use some hotel points before Dec 31, got a room at the Donovan House at 14th and M and a $50 food/booze credit for my in-laws but now they can't use it. All you'd have to do is meet me on my way home from work so I could get you the key and food/drink credit.

This doesn't sound fishy at all.

Yeah, next time just ask me for my kidney.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

If anyone has some relatives in town for the holidays that are stuck in your basement or something and want a hotel room downtown tonight, let me know. Had to use some hotel points before Dec 31, got a room at the Donovan House at 14th and M and a $50 food/booze credit for my in-laws but now they can't use it. All you'd have to do is meet me on my way home from work so I could get you the key and food/drink credit.

I can't use it, but nice offer my friend. Seems even UNC folks have a heart

 

[Don Quixote]

Heading to St. Michael's for a weekend; never been. What's recommended checking out while my wife is at the spa? Winter, so no boating activities. Maritime Museum worth it? Anything else? I could alternatively just find a coffee house or other place to read.

 

[dgreen]

The one time my wife and I went to St. Michaels (maybe 10 years ago, during the Summer) , we just walked the streets, went in some shops, had lunch and then left after a couple hours. We were planning on spending the day there, but just didn't find enough to keep us there. There were a couple houses on a side street that were having open houses, so we popped in and looked. Some nicely renovated old homes in town. If you like that sort of thing, maybe walk around some of the residential streets?

 

[Don Quixote]

The one time my wife and I went to St. Michaels (maybe 10 years ago, during the Summer) , we just walked the streets, went in some shops, had lunch and then left after a couple hours. We were planning on spending the day there, but just didn't find enough to keep us there. There were a couple houses on a side street that were having open houses, so we popped in and looked. Some nicely renovated old homes in town. If you like that sort of thing, maybe walk around some of the residential streets?

Thanks. I haven't found much to do in my searches, so that might be all that there is. Staying at Perry Cabin, that some people recommended in this thread a couple of years ago. So, maybe my solution is to walk around a bit and then hang out at the inn's pub with some cocktails and a book.

 

[tom22406]

Mass panic setting in as the weather forecasters are calling for snow here.

Got to the grocery store early and was talking to the manager,he told me they already called in emergency help to deal with all of the people that will be buying stuff today/tonight.

Always fun times in the area when this happens.

 

[Swing 51]

Mass panic setting in as the weather forecasters are calling for snow here.

Got to the grocery store early and was talking to the manager,he told me they already called in emergency help to deal with all of the people that will be buying stuff today/tonight.

Always fun times in the area when this happens.

WINTER STORM WATCH!

 

[Mr. Ected]

Let's be realistic for the rest of the country, folks. I'm in Leesburg, VA (NOVA) and we are forecasted 4-6 inches. But still a panic. Interesting to hear when 'the call' from the schools will come about cancelling tomorrow.

 

[dgreen]

I was recently talking to a recruiter about job opps in the private sector. Pretty sure I'd need a pretty hefty raise to go work somewhere that expected you to produce on days with a few inches of snow.

 

[Swing 51]

Got a speeding ticket in Va today (this morning before snow began falling). Had been a while since I got one. $152! $62 for court fees and $6 for every 1 mile over the limit (15 over). Wow tickets are expensive these days!

Oh well, lesson learned.

 

[ATW22]

Got a speeding ticket in Va today (this morning before snow began falling). Had been a while since I got one. $152! $62 for court fees and $6 for every 1 mile over the limit (15 over). Wow tickets are expensive these days!

Oh well, lesson learned.

Wow, I'll have to quit doing 85 on I66

 

[ATW22]

Out west, it's snowing, but no accumulation on the roads

 

[njherdfan]

Just cleaned off my sidewalk with my foot.

 

[(HULK)]

How is traffic downtown? Wife is contemplating driving home or staying in a hotel. At home in Kensington MD about 3 inches on the road right now, but the pace of snowfall is picking up. With traffic as it is around here, if she left now it could be 2 hours before she makes it back and we would be at 6 inches by then here. She'd be driving a Honda oddesy and had little snow driving experience.

 

[dgreen]

With fed gov being closed, I would guess traffic is ok.

 

[(HULK)]

Well, she stayed downtown. Better safe than sorry I keep telling myself as I listen to the frozen soundtrack for the 80th time

 

[Apple Jack]

What makes some of the area really bad is layer of sleet/slush that all that snow fell on top of, which almost immediately turned to ice as the temp dropped so quickly. Made walking even sketchy. The roads are pretty bad and there are some very bad drivers out there not very in tune with the laws of physics.

I guess the wife wasn't up for taking MARC?

 

[(HULK)]

What makes some of the area really bad is layer of sleet/slush that all that snow fell on top of, which almost immediately turned to ice as the temp dropped so quickly. Made walking even sketchy. The roads are pretty bad and there are some very bad drivers out there not very in tune with the laws of physics.

I guess the wife wasn't up for taking MARC?

the Marc so is like a quarter mile from here. Didn't even occur to me

 

[Don Quixote]

I left downtown around 1 and teleworked rest of day. Streets were still okay then, but not sure if they have deteriorated since then.

 

[tom22406]

We ended up with about 3 inches once all was done but the wind is freaking nasty out.Main roads are very good here but the secondary ones are hit and miss.

Much ado about nothing

 

[Swing 51]

We ended up with about 3 inches once all was done but the wind is freaking nasty out.Main roads are very good here but the secondary ones are hit and miss.

Much ado about nothing

Mostly much ado about nothing but some folks out in Loudoun County got about 6 inches. You're down in Fredericksburg right?

But yeah, damn cold with that wind.

 

[Apple Jack]

We ended up with about 3 inches once all was done but the wind is freaking nasty out.Main roads are very good here but the secondary ones are hit and miss.

Much ado about nothing

Most of the area got more than three inches and the slush underneath it made it dangerous to walk, never mind drive. Then it all froze overnight because the salt they use stops working below 25 degrees. You think a full compliment of commuters out there isn't a recipe for disaster? Because it is. Especially for those north and west of town.

 

[streets]

I wonder how the snowball fight at Dupont Circle went?

 

[MattFancy]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

 

[tom22406]

We ended up with about 3 inches once all was done but the wind is freaking nasty out.Main roads are very good here but the secondary ones are hit and miss.

Much ado about nothing

Mostly much ado about nothing but some folks out in Loudoun County got about 6 inches. You're down in Fredericksburg right?

But yeah, damn cold with that wind.

Yeah down south.

Forecast called for 5-9 here so that was the reason for my comment and I am fully aware others got more(and less).

 

[dgreen]

I wonder how the snowball fight at Dupont Circle went?

My assumption is that's full of hipsters?

 

[Foosball God]

We got about 7 - 8" in Leesburg.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

 

[Apple Jack]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

Enough people in the NE learn to drive in the conditions because they happen more often. A lot of people around here can't seem to get their brains around dealing with the reduction in friction.

Also, the people sliding all over and abandoning their cars was the slush/ice, not the snow.

 

[MattFancy]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

 

[TobiasFunke]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

I always thought it was funny when I was a kid in this area, and I still kinda do- especially the grocery panic. That's just silly. But I lived in New England for several years and it's a totally different ballgame there. They can handle a couple feet better than we can handle 6-8 inches like we got yesterday. Sometimes I think DC is being a little ridiculous with the closures, but yesterday wasn't one of those times.

 

[tom22406]

Storm totals for the area

http://www.wjla.com/blogs/weather/

 

[MattFancy]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

I always thought it was funny when I was a kid in this area, and I still kinda do- especially the grocery panic. That's just silly. But I lived in New England for several years and it's a totally different ballgame there. They can handle a couple feet better than we can handle 6-8 inches like we got yesterday. Sometimes I think DC is being a little ridiculous with the closures, but yesterday wasn't one of those times.

I'm all for closures in the bad weather. I remember when we had one of the big storms a couple years ago, think it was 2009/2010 and the schools and offices didn't close until it was too late and people were getting stuck and stranded on the roads. I'd rather err on the side of caution with school closures and such.

The grocery store panic is hilarious to me. Do you really think you'll be stranded in your house for days and you'll only survive with milk, bread and toilet paper? If you need those 3 things, you should probably go shopping before it's going to snow anyway.

 

[MattFancy]

Storm totals for the area

http://www.wjla.com/blogs/weather/

That's definitely not right. I live in Southern MD and I can tell you we have more than a 1/2 inch down here. I'd say we got around 2-3.

 

[dgreen]

I wonder how much people in the NE rag on us during these "snow storms". Channel 4 was talking about how people were making out in this "major snow storm". We got like 3 inches down here in Southern Maryland. Think DC got like 4 or 5.

I'd say we got about 6 or 7 inches. It's a pretty major snow storm for DC.

The impact of extreme weather is different depending on where you live. Gov't budgets for cleanups are different, people have different clothes, different equipment, different cars. There's a reason my local hardware store ran out of that snow-melting salt during the last storm- people here don't keep a constant supply of it in their garage like people in the northeast do.

People in Arizona would laugh aside what people in New England would call a "heat wave." People in Seattle would shrug over what people in Arizona would consider a deluge. People in the Gulf Coast or coastal Carolina wouldn't even flinch at a tropical storm that would send everyone else in America scurrying to the hardware store. I don't understand why we have this silly conversation every time there's a snow storm anywhere other than the midwest or northeast- and only at those times.

I dunno something to talk about I guess lol.

I've lived in MD all my life. Spent 11yrs in PG County, 8yrs in St. Mary's, 8 in Baltimore, and 4 months in Frostburg. We get snow here in MD, no, not as much as the NE states, but it's not like we never see snow here. I think some of it around here has to do with the media hype for snow. They know people will freak out and watch the news all day, so they bring attention to it.

I always thought it was funny when I was a kid in this area, and I still kinda do- especially the grocery panic. That's just silly. But I lived in New England for several years and it's a totally different ballgame there. They can handle a couple feet better than we can handle 6-8 inches like we got yesterday. Sometimes I think DC is being a little ridiculous with the closures, but yesterday wasn't one of those times.

I think part of it is that it's just fun to make fun of people who can't handle things you think they should be able to handle. It's fun to make fun of people panicking simple situations and acting like they are about to bunker down for a Chinese invasion.

But, yes, there are legit concerns because the area usually isn't equipped to handle storms of any size. I think the local jurisdictions just don't budget for very much snow. Up north, they budget for tons of snow and have the resources to keep roads clear even during the huge storms.

 

[tom22406]

Storm totals for the area

http://www.wjla.com/blogs/weather/

That's definitely not right. I live in Southern MD and I can tell you we have more than a 1/2 inch down here. I'd say we got around 2-3.

It was last updated last night so it looks to be off for sure.We got around 3 here.

Can't link the CWG because I ran out of free looks lol

 

[Apple Jack]

The empty toilet paper shelves are the best part about the grocery store panic. Like everybody gets explosive dia at the mere thought of snow.

 

[tom22406]

Storm totals for the area

http://www.wjla.com/blogs/weather/

That's definitely not right. I live in Southern MD and I can tell you we have more than a 1/2 inch down here. I'd say we got around 2-3.

It was last updated last night so it looks to be off for sure.We got around 3 here.

Can't link the CWG because I ran out of free looks lol

Try this one?

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/NWS-Snowfall-Totals-for-DC-Md-and-Va-241476671.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_DCBrand

 

[Swing 51]

Storm totals for the area

http://www.wjla.com/blogs/weather/

That's definitely not right. I live in Southern MD and I can tell you we have more than a 1/2 inch down here. I'd say we got around 2-3.

Can't link the CWG because I ran out of free looks lol

Clear your history and you should be good to go.

 

[MattFancy]

Storm totals for the area

http://www.wjla.com/blogs/weather/

That's definitely not right. I live in Southern MD and I can tell you we have more than a 1/2 inch down here. I'd say we got around 2-3.

It was last updated last night so it looks to be off for sure.We got around 3 here.

Can't link the CWG because I ran out of free looks lol

Ah yup, you're right, I see the last update was at 8:30 last night.

This might help: http://www.erh.noaa.gov/lwx/events/snowmaps/