trulycrabby Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 (edited) DS14 is on a class trip to Washington, D.C. this week. DH and I are either flying in or driving to pick him up on Wednesday. If the snow predictions verify, then there might be 2-3 inches of snow in D.C., and up to 4 inches (or more) in the northern suburbs (NWS snow map). My question is, how will the snow affect the roads in the area? Will it shut down the city/suburbs, or does the area have plenty of snow removal equipment so that people can get around? I'm guessing you do and it will be fine, but I live in an area where one inch of snow shuts down the city and thus feel compelled to ask. :o We have a 4-wheel drive truck and snow chains (overkill, I know) in case of a snow apocalypse. Thanks in advance for any help or advice. Edited March 19, 2018 by trulycrabby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinmyboys Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 My ds is supposed to be flying out of dc on Tuesday, so I am a little worried about it. Less than an inch of snow will close down schools and possibly the government, but IME (which isn’t much) the roads are mostly ok. They just don’t want millions of people on them. Also, according to the Washington Post story I read this afternoon, I think they are now saying there is less of a chance of snow than they thought earlier. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 19, 2018 Share Posted March 19, 2018 There is no way to predict this. Anything goes here all the time. Lately we’ve been protected by the “snow hole.†Did we know this was a thing that existed? No we did not. A forecast for 4†of snow can mean we get 4†of snow, a foot of snow, a 1/2†thick layer of ice, rain all day, or dry, sunny conditions. It’s that bad. I have trust issues now. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted March 19, 2018 Author Share Posted March 19, 2018 Yes, I saw the infamous D.C. "snow hole" on a forecast model snow prediction map today!!! We were initially going to fly into Frederick, MD, but as you mentioned, snow in your area is notoriously difficult to predict, so driving is likely the best choice. Thanks for the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 This. Weather. Sucks. I have loads to do but this weather has quashed my motivation. Brrrr. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarieCurie Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 I live in the northern suberbs of DC. We have already had about half an inch of freezing rain today and places are closing early. I expect tomorrow to be a mess. This area does not have a lot of snow removal equipment and no one knows how to drive in snow. I am planning on working from home tomorrow and possibly Thursday so that I don't have to drive in this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 What happened to our snow hole?! I hate this weather. Tomorrow will be a yucky mess here, and DH is (supposed to be) flying home after an extended international trip. Betting his flight is cancelled. Boo. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovinmyboys Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 My ds flew out today and landed safely at his destination. I was glad he got out before the weather. I agree it looks like it is going to be bad tomorrow. Dh is riding his bike home from work now-in the snow/sleet/rain mix. Then two of my kids have indoor baseball practice because heaven forbid they cancel. Tomorrow we are going nowhere, although Dh will probably have to go to work. The kids and I are staying put. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 I am about 15 miles south of DC along 95 and we are getting 4-8 inches. Just a few miles from Dulles airport they are saying 8-12. There won't be school, possibly even on Thursday. I predict they will close the airport. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 I live in the northern suberbs of DC. We have already had about half an inch of freezing rain today and places are closing early. I expect tomorrow to be a mess. This area does not have a lot of snow removal equipment and no one knows how to drive in snow. I am planning on working from home tomorrow and possibly Thursday so that I don't have to drive in this. That’s because nobody anywhere knows how to drive on ice. MD likes to hover in the low 30s so we’re in a constant freeze-thaw cycle. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamonlyone Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Ugh. I'm not happy about this weather either. Our 23 yo daughter is driving herself from Connecticut to north Virginia as I type and is supposed to drive back to her home in CT tomorrow. :( We live 1,300 miles away, so we're no help if she has problems. I really wish the company would have postponed her interview. (Yes, she asked.) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 (edited) I am about 15 miles south of DC along 95 and we are getting 4-8 inches. Just a few miles from Dulles airport they are saying 8-12. There won't be school, possibly even on Thursday. I predict they will close the airport. I think so, too. If this had waited one more day, I’d be excited about it. ETA: we are also in your area. So, hi neighbor! Edited March 20, 2018 by Spryte 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 I live in the northern suberbs of DC. We have already had about half an inch of freezing rain today and places are closing early. I expect tomorrow to be a mess. This area does not have a lot of snow removal equipment and no one knows how to drive in snow. I am planning on working from home tomorrow and possibly Thursday so that I don't have to drive in this. That’s because nobody anywhere knows how to drive on ice. MD likes to hover in the low 30s so we’re in a constant freeze-thaw cycle. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Aaaannnnnnnd a school bus slid off the road and into a creek bank in Frederick County. No kids were on board 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted March 20, 2018 Share Posted March 20, 2018 Aaaannnnnnnd a school bus slid off the road and into a creek bank in Frederick County. No kids were on board That’s not far from my mom’s. I feel bad for that bus driver. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlktwins Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 OP, I hope you are able to get to your son! I'm in No. VA and it is really come down now. Started around 6:30 am. Everything is shut down! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 This is ridiculous. I love snow, but I think winter had its chance. I don't want to shovel. I don't want to be home. Whine, whine, whine. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 I hate winter!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
school17777 Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 I hate winter!!!!!! It’s not winter, it’s spring 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 I'm in DC and I can attest that the snow hole closed today. I simply refused to believe it was going to happen. I can't tell you how many times MoCo closes schools and friends are posting pictures of their kids sledding or playing in snow on FB and I'm looking out at the flurries and the wet ground. Not today. I went to yoga this morning and when I came out, the roads were actually nasty. Sigh. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted March 21, 2018 Author Share Posted March 21, 2018 (edited) DH and I arrived just north of D.C. about a hour ago, and will drive home in the morning as long as the water on the roadways doesn't freeze overnight. Thank you VDOT for snowplows and brine, and for the great website with information on weather and road conditions! :) The interstate never became impassable even during heavy snow and mountain terrain. Thanks for all your help! Edited March 21, 2018 by trulycrabby 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 (edited) I NEVER ASKED FOR THIS!!!!! Edited March 21, 2018 by KungFuPanda 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*LC Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 "Ugh. I'm not happy about this weather either. Our 23 yo daughter is driving herself from Connecticut to north Virginia as I type and is supposed to drive back to her home in CT tomorrow. :( We live 1,300 miles away, so we're no help if she has problems. I really wish the company would have postponed her interview. (Yes, she asked.)" I hope your daughter was able to have her interview. I read that many businesses/offices are closed in DC. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted March 21, 2018 Author Share Posted March 21, 2018 Last question I promise! Is the water left on the roads likely to freeze overnight, or will traffic and brine help the roads either stay liquid or dry out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RegGuheert Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Last question I promise! Is the water left on the roads likely to freeze overnight, or will traffic and brine help the roads either stay liquid or dry out? It is supposed to be 27F here tonight, so I suspect there will be some frozen spots. Note that we are about 60 miles NW of DC, though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trulycrabby Posted March 21, 2018 Author Share Posted March 21, 2018 (edited) It is supposed to be 27F here tonight, so I suspect there will be some frozen spots. Note that we are about 60 miles NW of DC, though.Thank you very much! There are several wonderful weather and road conditions apps/sites, but the best help is from people who live in the area. :wub: My travel companions have been AmericanWx Mid-Atlantic Subforum, Accuweather Trip Planner, Virginia DOT, and NWS Mobile EDD v40, and of course my phone’s gps. The NWS Mobile EDD was so helpful that I am posting the link. It’s experimental and just a bit quirky but a wonderful resourse: https://preview.weather.gov/edd/resource/edd/mobile/index.html#%2F Oh, and I just ate the most amazing beet salad and pistachio crème brûlée at McGinty's Public House. :wub: Edited March 21, 2018 by trulycrabby 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Last question I promise! Is the water left on the roads likely to freeze overnight, or will traffic and brine help the roads either stay liquid or dry out? They are treating the roads. I'm still expecting significant black ice. Even with treating, there is often significant freezing. I have to be at work before 6 am and I'm expecting a not great drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RegGuheert Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 Oh, and I just ate the most amazing beet salad and pistachio crème brûlée at McGinty's Public House. :wub: That's in Silver Spring, MD. I'm a LONG way from there, and much farther from the city. DC is always a bit warmer than here due to being a bit south, on the other side of the Blue Ridge Mountains and urban heat island effect. If you are in Silver Spring and flying out of Dulles tomorrow morning, then your biggest challenge will be getting around the beltway. If you are flying out of BWI, it should be a bit easier... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 My gut says the roads will be mostly okay tomorrow. Even our alley is clear enough to drive now and the kids said that sledding was mostly a muddy mess (that is now all over my kitchen floor, thanks). McGinty's does have good desserts. And good happy hour specials! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mlktwins Posted March 21, 2018 Share Posted March 21, 2018 It will be fine later in the morning for sure and there is a high of 47 expected tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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