Snowmageddon 2010

I changed my background to reflect a much needed sign of spring!

This is the story of the dual blizzards that crippled the mid-Atlantic region between Feb 5 and Feb 10, 2010.

Here's a rundown of the past week here in Baltimore:

• Friday 2/5: My office was closed, though I didn't know that until after I got there. At least I got to go back home for the day. Bad thing is that I drove all the way down there and I have to use a vacation day...even thought the office is closed! I made a Target run to get some baking supplies before the storm hit. Snow started falling around noon. Just a few flakes at first, then WHAM! It was coming down heavy by 2pm. We had about 8 inches when I went to bed around 11.

• Sat 2/6: Still snowing as hard as ever. By 12:30 in the afternoon we had about 2 feet on the ground. It was hard to tell for sure because it was so windy. The big pine tree across the street fell down and our trees out back are bent over under the weight of the snow. The pool also looks to have some damage, but I won't know until I can get out there later.
  By 6pm the snow had all but stopped and we were able to get out and start shoveling. There's so much of it!!! We have about 28" right now, not counting the drifts. I was able to clean off the bushes by the pool and I think they are going to live. We lost the tops of 2 of our pine trees lining the fence. After shoveling for 4 hours we got the front of the driveway cleared and a path from the front yard to the backyard.

• Sun 2/7: Mike and I got out and shoveled for 4 more hours. We cleared the driveway and got all 3 cars free. We also cleared off the sidewalk from the driveway to the front of the house. We didn't even attempt to clean the public sidewalk. Between the snow that fell and the snow that was plowed onto it, it's about 4-5 feet deep! They are calling for another bad storm this week with estimates of 8-10" of new snow. That seems like nothing compared to what we just went through.

• Mon 2/8: The roads are still pretty much impassable. Mike had to work overnight and he said coming come was a nightmare. We did some more digging out and I made Dillan an igloo, bot that he was all that impressed. They are now calling for 12-18" of new snow beginning tomorrow...great...just what we need.

• Tues 2/9: It took me over an hour, but I made it in to work today. The main roads are fine, Rt 40 wasn't too bad, it was down to one lane in some places though. When I got on Monument St it was awful! There was one lane in each direction and cars that had been dug out were parked all over the place. People were too lazy to dig out the parking spot and took to parking in the street. People were standing in the road to catch the buses, adding to the already complex maze of obstacles. The next storm system is coming...today. It started snowing around 4, very lightly at first. It started to fall faster and stick to the roads by 5:30. I left work about 5:45 and had the worst commute ever to get home. It took me about 1 1/2 hrs (I live 9 miles away). Rt. 40/Orleans St was alright, I got on 895 figuring it would be better and it was sort of. The road was clearer, but there was more traffic. The cars were all being smart about going slow, but the truckers were insane! The were throwing snow and slush everywhere as they sped by. It didn't help that I had a jackass on my bumper almost the whole way either. By the time I got home Mike had already left for work. I told him how bad the roads were getting and he left earlier than usual in case he got stuck. The latest reports were calling for more blizzard conditions.

• Wed 2/10: When I got up this morning I couldn't see across the street. The wind was blowing the snow around so hard that all I could see was a wall of white. I checked in with work and found out that a few people actually went in, then they decided to close again! Two of my co-workers decided to stay and ride out the storm. They really had no choice as the Mayor activated Phase III of the city's snow emergency plan. This prohibited any non-city authorized vehicle from being on the roads. I'm thinking Phase 4 would be the equivalent of DEF-CON 1! Mike is still at work, they are going to put him in a hotel since he can't get home. Around 7 I decided to venture outside, it was still snowing a little but the wind was making it feel like little ice razors. I only stayed out long enough to clean my bushes off again and take a walk out front. Everything we shoveled was re-covered with snow!!

• Thurs 2/11: Whats that I see??? The sun??? And blue skies??? It would be an awesome day if it weren't for the 36" of snow waiting to be moved! I normally LOVE winter and snow...but I'm done. I want it gone and I want spring.

It appears we have about 38" on the ground...not including the drifts, which are as high as 57" in places!

 
To see my pics because I'm too lazy to upload them all, go here.