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D.C. area’s residents hunker down amid massive snowfall Officials warn effects of massive Washington snowstorm could last for days
(about 1 hour later)
As gale force winds swept in to drive snow that had been falling for 24 hours, authorities begged drivers to stay off the roads Saturday, Sunday and Monday, warning that it may take several days to dig out after one of the most prodigious snow storms to strike the Washington region in memory.As gale force winds swept in to drive snow that had been falling for 24 hours, authorities begged drivers to stay off the roads Saturday, Sunday and Monday, warning that it may take several days to dig out after one of the most prodigious snow storms to strike the Washington region in memory.
After snow that had accumulated to depths greater than two feet, the powerful wind began toppling trees into power lines Saturday afternoon.After snow that had accumulated to depths greater than two feet, the powerful wind began toppling trees into power lines Saturday afternoon.
“Every customer should be prepared for the possibility of losing power,” said Michael Maxwell, vice president of Pepco, which provides power in the District and most of the Maryland suburbs. “As we has sustained winds and the heavy, wet snow, that’s where I would have my concerns.”“Every customer should be prepared for the possibility of losing power,” said Michael Maxwell, vice president of Pepco, which provides power in the District and most of the Maryland suburbs. “As we has sustained winds and the heavy, wet snow, that’s where I would have my concerns.”
[Live updates on the blizzard and its impact][Live updates on the blizzard and its impact]
Even with hundreds of contract workers augmenting their crews, the region’s utilities warned that conditions could delay restoration of power to some customers. And it may be 48 hours or longer before the first plows reach neighborhood streets in much of the region.Even with hundreds of contract workers augmenting their crews, the region’s utilities warned that conditions could delay restoration of power to some customers. And it may be 48 hours or longer before the first plows reach neighborhood streets in much of the region.
“Please do not go out and get on the road tomorrow or Monday,” said Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D). “We are working primary roads right now and then, beginning next week, we will get into the secondary roads.”“Please do not go out and get on the road tomorrow or Monday,” said Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D). “We are working primary roads right now and then, beginning next week, we will get into the secondary roads.”
He said that in addition to the one death in a weather-related traffic accident in Chesapeake Friday, two other deaths in Virginia are being investigated as possibly connected to the storm. One occurred in Grayson, Va., the other in Wytheville.He said that in addition to the one death in a weather-related traffic accident in Chesapeake Friday, two other deaths in Virginia are being investigated as possibly connected to the storm. One occurred in Grayson, Va., the other in Wytheville.
Chris T. Geldart, director of the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, warned “We are still in that time frame when real bad things can happen.”Chris T. Geldart, director of the District’s Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, warned “We are still in that time frame when real bad things can happen.”
“It’s still a blizzard outside,” Geldart said. “Are we out of the woods? No, no, this is still very much a dangerous storm.”“It’s still a blizzard outside,” Geldart said. “Are we out of the woods? No, no, this is still very much a dangerous storm.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel E Bowser said “There are too many people on the streets, both driving and walking. We need you to stay home.”D.C. Mayor Muriel E Bowser said “There are too many people on the streets, both driving and walking. We need you to stay home.”
A Maryland State Highway Administration spokesman lambasted SUV owners out on joyrides.A Maryland State Highway Administration spokesman lambasted SUV owners out on joyrides.
“There’s a lot of people in four-wheel drives that are just kind of out cruising around and they’re getting in the way of snow operations,”spokesman Charlie Gischlar said. “All week we’ve been preaching stay off the roads no matter what … if it’s deep enough, you’re going to get stuck.”“There’s a lot of people in four-wheel drives that are just kind of out cruising around and they’re getting in the way of snow operations,”spokesman Charlie Gischlar said. “All week we’ve been preaching stay off the roads no matter what … if it’s deep enough, you’re going to get stuck.”
[The latest update from the Capital Weather Gang][The latest update from the Capital Weather Gang]
Almost two feet of snow had fallen by mid-day Saturday, and it was forecast that it would come down at a rate of 2-3 inches an during the afternoon before ending around midnight. Hardly anything was moving and there were fears that the high winds expected after almost 24 hours of snowfall would cause a ripple of power outages in the capital city and surrounding region.Almost two feet of snow had fallen by mid-day Saturday, and it was forecast that it would come down at a rate of 2-3 inches an during the afternoon before ending around midnight. Hardly anything was moving and there were fears that the high winds expected after almost 24 hours of snowfall would cause a ripple of power outages in the capital city and surrounding region.
There was no traffic to speak of on significant byways, beyond snowplows and the occasional pickup truck or four-wheel drive vehicle. The less traveled roads were untouched by much other than the snow boots of those who ventured out on foot.There was no traffic to speak of on significant byways, beyond snowplows and the occasional pickup truck or four-wheel drive vehicle. The less traveled roads were untouched by much other than the snow boots of those who ventured out on foot.
Even mail delivery was suspended. The U.S. Postal Service announced Saturday afternoon that it would suspend operations in Baltimore, southern Maryland, D.C. by 3 p.m., and that work had already stopped in Northern Virginia and Richmond. Carriers hoped to resume work Monday.Even mail delivery was suspended. The U.S. Postal Service announced Saturday afternoon that it would suspend operations in Baltimore, southern Maryland, D.C. by 3 p.m., and that work had already stopped in Northern Virginia and Richmond. Carriers hoped to resume work Monday.
The postal service asked for residents to dig out their mailboxes and clear their sidewalks.The postal service asked for residents to dig out their mailboxes and clear their sidewalks.
There were remarkably few power outages in a region that has been plagued by them in the past, but the worst of the outages seemed yet to come. At 2 p.m., Pepco was reporting about 900 customers without power, more than half of them in Tacoma Park, where a falling tree took down a utility pole. Dominion Power said there were about 500 without electricity in Northern Virginia. Baltimore Gas and Electric reported about 150 power outages in Prince George’s, Howard and Anne Arundel counties.There were remarkably few power outages in a region that has been plagued by them in the past, but the worst of the outages seemed yet to come. At 2 p.m., Pepco was reporting about 900 customers without power, more than half of them in Tacoma Park, where a falling tree took down a utility pole. Dominion Power said there were about 500 without electricity in Northern Virginia. Baltimore Gas and Electric reported about 150 power outages in Prince George’s, Howard and Anne Arundel counties.
The Metro system’s buses and rail lines were shut down, hoping to resume operations on Monday.The Metro system’s buses and rail lines were shut down, hoping to resume operations on Monday.
Airlines cancelled more that 8,700 flights in and out of the snowy region, which stretched through Mid-Atlantic states and into New York.Airlines cancelled more that 8,700 flights in and out of the snowy region, which stretched through Mid-Atlantic states and into New York.
There were two snow-shoveling fatalities. Prince William County officials said a man died of a heart attack while shoveling snow in front of his Dale City home. And Prince George’s County authorities said a 60-year-old man died shoveling snow outside his home in Fort Washington.There were two snow-shoveling fatalities. Prince William County officials said a man died of a heart attack while shoveling snow in front of his Dale City home. And Prince George’s County authorities said a 60-year-old man died shoveling snow outside his home in Fort Washington.
In Montgomery County, the roof of an apartment complex’s utility building partially collapsed under heavy snow. Pete Piringer, a spokesman for the Montgomery County Fire Department, said no injuries were reported and no one was trapped.In Montgomery County, the roof of an apartment complex’s utility building partially collapsed under heavy snow. Pete Piringer, a spokesman for the Montgomery County Fire Department, said no injuries were reported and no one was trapped.
But he said the collapse knocked out power and other utilities to the apartment building in the 700 block of Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg.But he said the collapse knocked out power and other utilities to the apartment building in the 700 block of Quince Orchard Boulevard in Gaithersburg.
Piringer said firefighters working with the Life Safety Task Force were evacuating the complex, which has 250 units, because residents were without heat and utilities.Piringer said firefighters working with the Life Safety Task Force were evacuating the complex, which has 250 units, because residents were without heat and utilities.
At the National Zoo, the panda Tian Tian gave himself a snow bath. A zoo video immediately went viral, interrupting the bombardment of personal snow photos being posted on social media.At the National Zoo, the panda Tian Tian gave himself a snow bath. A zoo video immediately went viral, interrupting the bombardment of personal snow photos being posted on social media.
[Milk, bread and 7 boxes of condoms: How D.C. prepares for storms][Milk, bread and 7 boxes of condoms: How D.C. prepares for storms]
State police in Virginia said they responded to 1,100 accidents statewide, the majority of them in Northern Virginia.State police in Virginia said they responded to 1,100 accidents statewide, the majority of them in Northern Virginia.
Along the coast, where the low-pressure system fueling the snowstorm was churning, hurricane force wind gusts were reported, and the forecast at sea was for towering waves as tall as a three-story building.Along the coast, where the low-pressure system fueling the snowstorm was churning, hurricane force wind gusts were reported, and the forecast at sea was for towering waves as tall as a three-story building.
McAuliffe said he feared low-lying areas would flood with high tide arrived Saturday night.McAuliffe said he feared low-lying areas would flood with high tide arrived Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service, the record for the biggest two-day snowstorm in Washington was set Jan. 27-28, 1922, when 26 inches fell, collapsing the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre in Adams Morgan, killing more than 100 people.According to the National Weather Service, the record for the biggest two-day snowstorm in Washington was set Jan. 27-28, 1922, when 26 inches fell, collapsing the roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre in Adams Morgan, killing more than 100 people.
Throughout the area Saturday, some ventured out to explore what nature had delivered.Throughout the area Saturday, some ventured out to explore what nature had delivered.
Wearing hats and boots and carrying travel mugs of coffee, Carrie Pope and Eran Friedman trudged through knee-high snow in Meridian Hill Park, where only a dozen people could be spotted in the snow and wind.Wearing hats and boots and carrying travel mugs of coffee, Carrie Pope and Eran Friedman trudged through knee-high snow in Meridian Hill Park, where only a dozen people could be spotted in the snow and wind.
“I love the snow. It’s peaceful, and everyone’s friendlier,” Pope, 25.“I love the snow. It’s peaceful, and everyone’s friendlier,” Pope, 25.
The smiling pair had been out for an hour’s walk – to investigate the storm and to get out of an apartment crowded with roommates. In good spirits, Friedman said the storm was a welcome antidote to urban living.The smiling pair had been out for an hour’s walk – to investigate the storm and to get out of an apartment crowded with roommates. In good spirits, Friedman said the storm was a welcome antidote to urban living.
“It brings peace and tranquility to a loud and busy city,” said Friedman, 26. “It’s a reset, a mental reset. It’s like a clean slate.”“It brings peace and tranquility to a loud and busy city,” said Friedman, 26. “It’s a reset, a mental reset. It’s like a clean slate.”
As an icy wind whipped and snow pellets beat sideways, Mark Ridenour, stood outside on Connecticut Avenue, puffing on a cigarette.As an icy wind whipped and snow pellets beat sideways, Mark Ridenour, stood outside on Connecticut Avenue, puffing on a cigarette.
“This snow is nothing,” said Ridenour, 55, wearing a black Harley-Davidson hoodie and jeans. “I’m from Boston and Detroit. This kinda snow doesn’t bother me at all.”“This snow is nothing,” said Ridenour, 55, wearing a black Harley-Davidson hoodie and jeans. “I’m from Boston and Detroit. This kinda snow doesn’t bother me at all.”
He grew up in Boston, then moved to Detroit to work.He grew up in Boston, then moved to Detroit to work.
Ridenour drove in from Detroit to attend an auto workers’ convention and said he’ll be here through Wednesday.Ridenour drove in from Detroit to attend an auto workers’ convention and said he’ll be here through Wednesday.
“You have to remember Boston had the most snow last year,” he said. “They finally got rid of their snow in September. That’s how big the mountains were.”“You have to remember Boston had the most snow last year,” he said. “They finally got rid of their snow in September. That’s how big the mountains were.”
As comfortable as Ridenour is in snow, he said, it still demands a certain respect.As comfortable as Ridenour is in snow, he said, it still demands a certain respect.
He grinned as he watched a Toyota spinning its wheels.He grinned as he watched a Toyota spinning its wheels.
“Now, that you don’t do,” he said. “You gotta use common sense. You take off in the snow slowly. Real slow.”“Now, that you don’t do,” he said. “You gotta use common sense. You take off in the snow slowly. Real slow.”
In the heart of Arlington’s famous “walkable” neighborhoods, pedestrians took advantage of the plowed Clarendon Boulevard to stretch their legs Saturday morning.In the heart of Arlington’s famous “walkable” neighborhoods, pedestrians took advantage of the plowed Clarendon Boulevard to stretch their legs Saturday morning.
“We’re only going a half block,” said Mike Carr, pushing infant Ciaran in a stroller, at the corner of Adams and Clarendon, while Nellie Carr oversaw their 3-year daughter Nori . “We live right there and we’re going to Courthouse Plaza for breakfast with the in-laws.”“We’re only going a half block,” said Mike Carr, pushing infant Ciaran in a stroller, at the corner of Adams and Clarendon, while Nellie Carr oversaw their 3-year daughter Nori . “We live right there and we’re going to Courthouse Plaza for breakfast with the in-laws.”
Only a couple of businesses were open Saturday at National Harbor, but for those that were it was a sense of community that motivated them.Only a couple of businesses were open Saturday at National Harbor, but for those that were it was a sense of community that motivated them.
“We are here to serve the people of the harbor,” said Chantal Farah, CVS pharmacist. “They count on us. They trust us and we cannot betray their trust.”“We are here to serve the people of the harbor,” said Chantal Farah, CVS pharmacist. “They count on us. They trust us and we cannot betray their trust.”
Across from CVS, Potomac Gourmet Market opened for business because, manager Lenny Knight said, “We are a grocery store in a small, tight-knit community. We have to be here in times of need.”Across from CVS, Potomac Gourmet Market opened for business because, manager Lenny Knight said, “We are a grocery store in a small, tight-knit community. We have to be here in times of need.”
Only two customers roamed the store Saturday morning.Only two customers roamed the store Saturday morning.
“Beer and wine was probably half our sales yesterday,” Knight said with a laugh.“Beer and wine was probably half our sales yesterday,” Knight said with a laugh.
At trendy Maketto on H Street, someone still has to make the donuts. And the croissants, the banana cream pie, the coffee caramel profiteroles.At trendy Maketto on H Street, someone still has to make the donuts. And the croissants, the banana cream pie, the coffee caramel profiteroles.
That task fell to Rebekka Baltzell, the assistant pastry chef for Frenchie’s Pastry, which operates from the restaurant’s kitchen. Baltzell, 29, arrived at 5 a.m. to prepare for the restaurant’s 9 a.m. opening.That task fell to Rebekka Baltzell, the assistant pastry chef for Frenchie’s Pastry, which operates from the restaurant’s kitchen. Baltzell, 29, arrived at 5 a.m. to prepare for the restaurant’s 9 a.m. opening.
At four-feet, 11 inches tall, the pastry maker said she felt like the snow was up to her waist. Walking down a deserted H Street, she was halfway to her destination when one of D.C.’s finest pulled up and offered to drive her the rest of the way there.At four-feet, 11 inches tall, the pastry maker said she felt like the snow was up to her waist. Walking down a deserted H Street, she was halfway to her destination when one of D.C.’s finest pulled up and offered to drive her the rest of the way there.
“I was really grateful,” said Baltzell, a big smile on her face as prepared a tray of ham and cheese croissants to be sent into the restaurant.“I was really grateful,” said Baltzell, a big smile on her face as prepared a tray of ham and cheese croissants to be sent into the restaurant.
Diana and Ben Mullen and their 18-month-old son Parker were among the early arrivals.Diana and Ben Mullen and their 18-month-old son Parker were among the early arrivals.
“We wanted a little bit of an adventure,” said Ben Mullen, 32, as he held his son on his lap. They called around to see if other restaurants were open and discovered on Facebook that Maketto, just blocks from their home, was one of the few operating.“We wanted a little bit of an adventure,” said Ben Mullen, 32, as he held his son on his lap. They called around to see if other restaurants were open and discovered on Facebook that Maketto, just blocks from their home, was one of the few operating.
As for the blizzard, they were impressed, but not overly so.As for the blizzard, they were impressed, but not overly so.
“Where I’m from, this is normal,” said Diana Mullen, 30, who is originally from upstate New York. “We have these in October.”“Where I’m from, this is normal,” said Diana Mullen, 30, who is originally from upstate New York. “We have these in October.”
One good thing about a blizzard is, if you’re looking for somebody, you pretty much know where to find them.One good thing about a blizzard is, if you’re looking for somebody, you pretty much know where to find them.
“I’m so glad we had snow,” said Alice Thomas, 52, a professor at Howard University Law School who lives in Northwest Washington. “I have an 18-year-old son home from college. He likes to travel the city all day and all night to visit friends he just has to see. Guess what? I know where my son is. He’s on the second floor of my house. I’m so happy. I have peace.”“I’m so glad we had snow,” said Alice Thomas, 52, a professor at Howard University Law School who lives in Northwest Washington. “I have an 18-year-old son home from college. He likes to travel the city all day and all night to visit friends he just has to see. Guess what? I know where my son is. He’s on the second floor of my house. I’m so happy. I have peace.”
Thomas said she would use time during the blizzard to sew, shovel snow before it gets too heavy -- and send out assignments to her law students.Thomas said she would use time during the blizzard to sew, shovel snow before it gets too heavy -- and send out assignments to her law students.
“They can be found,” said. “My students are behind closed doors. My theory is you might want to take some quiet time during the blizzard to do some work I need you to do.“They can be found,” said. “My students are behind closed doors. My theory is you might want to take some quiet time during the blizzard to do some work I need you to do.
“They will say, ‘Professor Thomas, she’s horrible.’ But I have their best interest at heart.”“They will say, ‘Professor Thomas, she’s horrible.’ But I have their best interest at heart.”