Weather This Weekend

If you are not used to deep snows, you should not plan to go out. In MD, after a show many times there is ice on the roads, once the temps go below 20 degrees F. They are still calling for about 20 inches of total accumulation. People who are not used to driving in these kinds of conditions are at risk for an accident, and the other drivers many times act like maniacs. Stay at home, plan some family time.

well, by now I'm sure you know the answer to this, but it's going to be bad, and you're not likely to get out before monday. It's possible that it'll stop snowing early sunday and the roads may be clear enough to go out then.

I know in Ashburn in Loudoun County, we are expecting 1-2 feet of snow.

If this is your first winter here, you should know that the snow maintainance in this area is not very good compared ot the northern states. It takes a while for plowing and they don't treat ice very quickly or well. Last time it snowed over two feet, the federal government was closed fo rthree days!! Also a factor is that we get sleet frequently which creates ice more often then justpowder. Although this storm sounds like it will be all snow.

However, the main problem is that people around here can't drive in it. We are almost all transplants (I'm from NY) so you have people with lots of driving styles - people from Alaska to poeple from Florida. People don't know how ot drive in snow, how to make safe decisions, and they are overconfident and often get on the road when they shouldn't.

You may be able ot get out tomorrow night, but it may not be safe to be out. I owuldn't drive far or on side streets or in hillly areas. I owuld stock up and enjoy a bottle of wine at home with your husband!

K.:

Hello! Welcome to the United States!! I've been to the U.K. and LOVED IT!!! What a beautiful country you have!!!

My suggestion would be to stay off the roads. If you aren't familiar with driving in the snow, there are a lot of people around here who are crazy!!! As evidenced by the lack of bread, milk and toilet paper in the grocery stores!!)

In all seriousness, the VDOT is very good about clearing the major roads. If you are a confident driver and know how to handle your car on the roads - be the designated driver, pick all the girls up and go out. If not, stay off. I KNOW how important a Girls Night Out is!! So I'm not suggesting it be canceled, just rescheduled!!

Best regards!!

Cheryl

I know I'll be the odd (wo)man out here, but I'm from Colorado, where we didn't really bat an eye until we were getting about four feet. I still had every intention of doing everything I'd planned on today, but I think the establishments will be working against me ;).

i am from england too

i wouldnt go out in this tonight

likely to be freezing weather tonight

so a home spa tonite

I could not help but smile at your question. We just moved from Reston, VA, and I found I would NOT go out if there was even a snowflake out. There was no salting there!
We moved back to Chicago. Now I drive in snow and don't worry about it. It's always cleaned up VERY fast, and as it's snowing they are salting. What a difference!
It is very dangerous in Virginia when it snows. I boggled my mind. They really do need to do something. Stay safe, and if you don't have to drive, find something fun to do at home.

I love this site! The responses are funny and smart. Snow here on the east coast is funny, and different from Colorado. In Denver where my daughter and son live, the snow is powdery, and dry. I've seen people out there shoveling their driveways wearing t-shirts. But here in Virginia, it's wet, cold, penetrating. It turns slushy, and icy--the roads, too. I raised 5 kids here. The best thing to do is stay home, let the kids play in it. Make hot chocolate. Best family time, esp. the week before Christmas. People out here do not know how to drive in this mess. Stay home, have fun, make some family memories. Stay safe.

Sorry K., hate to say it - I know how important 'girls night out' is - but you should call your girlfriends and reschedule. I agree with the other ladies. The weather channel just called it "a historic snowfall in DC" calling for up to 2 feet in the DC area. It's not supposed to stop snowing until midnight Saturday night. Stay home. Build a snowman or have a snowball fight with your kids - they'll love it!

I feel your pain! :( All my plans are canceled too....hopefully everyone will realize how bad it is and be able to reschedule....that way we can relax and hang out at home for now and still have something to look forward to when it clears....

It depends on how much snow you're used to. I'm from Maine and then moved to Texas and now here. So the thought of getting snow just makes me giddy. If' you're accustomed to driving in snow and are practiced in evasive manuevers then I see no problem with driving in the snow. If not, please stay home.

It's going to be a very big one. Keep your kids in today because the wind will be bad, but tomorrow will be a day for smowmen, sledding and lots of fun. I hope you enjoy Maryland while you are here! We haven't had a snow this big in a long time!

Sorry, but I have to write in. I take offense at the people writing to say snow removal is "not very good here". When you think of how often we get storms of this magnitude (every 20 years maybe?) "compared to the northern states", we do an excellent job! There are over 1700 trucks clearing the roads in northern VA today. All the available resources. Salting has been going on since Thursday. If you don't really know what's going on, don't make assumptions and false statements. Just say thanks to those who are working 12 hour shifts while you sit home by your fire enjoying your family time.

Girls night out - no. Play outside with the kids - YES!
Snow balls, snow men, making angels in the snow (lie down and flap arms and legs), shoveling - less fun but needed. Get lots of pictures so you can remember this next July when it's 95 degrees out side. Have hot coco and tea when you come inside to thaw out. Just go outside and play!