Bracing for epic winter snowstorm in Shenandoah Valley
For the latest snowstorm update for February 6, 2010, click here.
Strasburg, VA – One to two feet, plus! Mother Nature is gifting us with snow today, massive amounts of it.
I’ve heard it called the Snow Bowl (in light of the Super Bowl this Sunday). I’ve heard it called “Snowpocalypse.” But, whatever its name, we’re going to get “an epic snowstorm” here in the Shenandoah Valley.
“This could go down as one of the most significant snow storms in DC area history,” the Weather Channel is reporting right now.
Groceries stores have been swamped for the last 24 hours; many of the shelves are now bare, as people stock up on food and supplies.
So, hunker down, keep warm and take care. (At least it’s hitting on the weekend.)
Here is the latest storm news from the Shenandoah Valley, and into Northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and Southern West Virginia:
A Winter Storm Warning is in effect now, and will remain so until 10 p.m. tomorrow, Feb. 6. Snow began to fall in the Winchester and Strasburg area about 30 minutes ago (along Interstate 81) in Virginia.
What To Expect
As of 9:04 a.m. (EST), The National Weather Service has issued an Urgent Winter Weather Message for the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area, including the Shenandoah Valley.
Here is what they are predicting: “Snow will begin mid-morning and will continue through Saturday evening. Conditions will deteriorate rapidly this afternoon with the heaviest snowfall occurring from sunset through Saturday morning.
The most hazardous conditions will occur tonight (Friday, Feb. 5). The combination of heavy snow and strong winds will reduce visibilities to below one-quarter mile producing near-blizzard conditions tonight through Saturday morning.
Temperatures highs will be in the lower 30s today. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 20s tonight and Saturday. Winds will gust to 30 MPH tonight and Saturday.”
For Friday, Feb. 5 –
Snow may be heavy at times this afternoon. Snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches. Highs in the lower 30s. Light and variable winds…becoming east around 5 mph this afternoon. Chance of snow near 100 percent. More snow tonight. Areas of blowing snow after midnight. Snow may be heavy at times. Additional snow accumulation of 12 to 16 inches. Lows in the mid 20s. Northeast winds 5 to 10 mph.
For Saturday, Feb. 6 –
Snow. Areas of blowing snow. Total snow accumulation more than 2 feet. Highs in the upper 20s. North winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow near 100 percent. At night, mostly cloudy with a chance of snow in the evening…then partly cloudy after midnight. Cold with lows around 12. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
For Sunday, Feb. 7 –
Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 20s. Northwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
At night, partly cloudy. Cold with lows around 10 above.
The snow total for this storm (Feb. 5 and 6, 2010)is supposed to be somewhere between 20 to 28 inches of snow for the D.C. Metro area, with snowfall very heavy at times. If you can, stay put, and do not drive. Most schools and many businesses are already closed today. The most hazardous conditions are expected tonight (Friday, February 5). Wind gusts could get up to 30 miles per hour.
Conditions of this storm are expected to be comparable to the near-blizzard conditions of the snow storm that occurred on December 19, 2009. Plan for disruptions of travel throughout the whole weekend. Travel tonight in the region is noted as “near impossible”.
Road Conditions
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has not yet listed any accidents on Interstate 81 nor Route 66 due to the snow, though snow is already beginning to accumulate on those routes.
As of this morning, VDOT reports two problem areas due to floods:
1. Location:Shenandoah (County)
Description: Rt. 620S (Shenandoah County) – Smith Creek Rd – impassable because of Flood – as of 8:31 a.m. EST on 2/5/10
2. Location:Warren (County)
Description: Rt. 624N (Warren County) – Morgan Ford Rd – impassable because of Flood – as of 3:57 a.m. EST on 2/5/10
To connect to the latest VDOT information, visit their 511 web site.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY – School and Business Closures
Most schools and many businesses across the Shenandoah Valley in VA have already been closed. Here is the latest list of closings:
SCHOOLS
Bath County Public Schools: Closed Today
Augusta County Schools: Closed Today
Blue Ridge Christian School: Closed Today
Blue Ridge Community College, Weyers Cave: Closed Today
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, Martinsburg, WV: Closed Today and Saturday
Bridgewater College: Classes cancelled Friday Feb. 5
C. F. Richards Jr. Academy: Closed Today
Eastern WV Comm. & Tech. College: Closed Today
Faith Primary School: Closed Today
Frederick County Schools: Closed Today and Saturday
Good Shepherd School – Harrisonburg: Closed Today; Day Care closing at 12:00 noon.
Good Shepherd School – Waynesboro: Closed Today; Day Care closing at 12:00 noon.
Grace Christian School: Closed Today
Grant County Schools: Closed Today
Hampshire County Schools: Closed Today
Hardy County Schools: Closed Today
Harrisonburg City Schools: Closed Today
Head First to Mane St (School Only): Closed Today and Tomorrow
Highland County Schools: Closed Today
James Madison University: Closed Today
Lafayette School & Treatment Center: Closed Today
All Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC) campuses: Closed Through Sunday
Madison County Schools: Closed Today
Mary Baldwin College: Closed Friday
Nelson County Schools: Closed Today
Orange County Schools: Closed Today
Page County Schools: Closed Today
Pendleton County Schools: Closed Today
Potomac State College of WVU: University open; classes closed on Feb. 5
Raw Learning: Closed Today
Redeemer Classical School: Closed Today
Ridgeview Christian School: Closed Today
Riverfront Christian School: Closed Today
Rockbridge County Schools: Closed Today; Employee Code C
Rockingham County Schools: Closed Today
Royal Christian Academy/Daycare: Closed Today
Shenandoah County Schools: Closed Today
Stanley SDA School: Closed Today
Staunton City Schools: Closed Today
Staunton Montessori School: Closed Today
Staunton School of Cosmetology: Closed Today
Stuart Hall School (K-12): Closed Today
Wakefield Country Day School: Closed Today
Warren County Schools: Closed Today
Waynesboro Public Schools: Closed Today
Winchester City Public Schools: Closed Today
BUSINESSES
AccuAmp Inc.: Closed Today; stay home and don’t drive!
Advantage Physical Therapy and Sports Performance
Bank of America in Harrisonburg, VA: Closed Today
Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County: Closed Today
Circuit Court of Rockingham County: Closed Today; ALL criminal cases reschedule for Monday, February 7, 2010
CMYK Ink Supply: Closed Friday (Business)
Comfort Care Women’s Health: Closed Today; both Staunton and Waynesboro locations;no clinic or Patchwork
Community Child Care Center: Closed Today
Daniel’s Imprinted Sportswear: Closed Friday (Business)
DuPont Community Credit Union: Closed Today
Frazier Quarry, Inc.: Closed Today
Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia: Closed Today
Generations Crossing: Closing at noon
George’s Chicken LLC: Second Shift Will Not Operate on 2-5-2010
Gift and Thrift Shops Inc.: Closed Friday (Business)
Golden Rule Homes, Inc.: Closed Through Sunday; Contact 540-435-8176 for immediate assistance
Good Shepherd Daycare – Harrisonburg: Open at 7:00 a.m. – CLOSING at 12:00 noon.
Good Shepherd Daycare – Waynesboro: Open at 7:00 a.m. – CLOSING at 12:00 noon.
Harrisonburg Community Health Center: Closed Today
Harrisonburg Dept of Public Transportation: No Transit Service Friday February 5, 2010
Harrisonburg Parks and Rec: Closed Today
Harrisonburg Pediatrics: Closing Friday, 2/5 at 10am.; The office will be closed Saturday, 2/6.
Harrisonburg Rockingham Dental Clinic: Closed Today
Harrisonburg/Rockingham Free Clinic: Closed Today
Harrisonburg/Rockingham General District Court: Closed Friday (Business)
Hunting Hills Early Learning Center: Closed Today
Inner Goddess Studios: Closed Today and Tomorrow; Registered Students Check Email for Additional Info
JMU Small Business Development Center: Closed Today
Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court: Closed Today
Kathy’s Scuba: Opening 11AM Monday
Kid’s Harbor Preschool and: Closed Friday
Marshalls: Closed on Friday, 2/5/10, first and second shifts of production
Massanutten Regional Library: Closed Today; All MRL Branches
NewBridge Bank: Closed Friday (Business)
Nielsen Builders, Inc: Closed Today; All offices, yard, and project sites
Peak View Internal Medicine: Closed Today
Penny Plate of Virginia: 2nd Shift Closed Friday
Probation & Parole District #39: Closed Today
Shenandoah Harley-Davidson: Closed Tomorrow; Souper Bowl Soup Cookoff is postponed until a later date
Shenandoah Valley Spay/Neuter Clinic: Closed Friday (Business); Wellness Clinic Cancelled.
Staunton General District Court: Closed Today
Staunton/Augusta Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court: Closed Friday (Business); All cases will be rescheduled as soon as possible
Steven Toyota: Closing at 12:00 PM; Please check back for further information.
Sun Trust Bank-Harrisonburg: Closing at 12:00 PM
That Design Chick: Staunton Office Closed – www.ThatDesignChick.com
The Bistro on North Main: Closed Today and Tomorrow
The Factory Antique Mall: Closed Today
The Womans Center/OBGYN Associates: Closed Friday (Business)
Town of Grottoes: Offices Closed Friday
Tyson Foods, Inc.: Closed Today; Due to water main break; Processing Plant 2nd and 3rd Shift will work a normal schedule on Sunday 2/7/10
Valley Community Services Board: Closed Today
Weight Watchers-Harrisonburg Town Center: Closed Today
CHURCHES
St. Peters United Methodist Church: Sat. Feb 6 Meal Cancelled
Bethel Church of Brethren-Keezletown: Sat. Feb 6 Birthday Party Cancelled
Church of Jesus Christ-LDS-1st Ward: No evening activities
Cornerstone Church of Broadway: Sip and Swap Postponed Until February 20th
First Pres. Church-Hburg.: Church office closed today
Harrisonburg First Church of Brethren: Storytime Cancelled
Hensley UMC: Friday Hymn Sing Cancelled
GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Augusta County Library: Branch and stations also closed.
And, in D.C., here’s what’s happening:
The National Weather Forecast is predicting up to a possible 24 inches of snow this weekend and crews are pre-treating streets in anticipation of the first snow flake. The Mayor also declared a snow emergency which went into effect at 9:30 am today.
DC Mayor Fenty says: “We want to do all we can to clear city streets as soon as possible and as such are declaring a snow emergency for the city. This allows our crews to get curb-to-curb on the major corridors, which is paramount to ultimately getting the city back to regular business on Monday.”
The heavier snowfall is expected to occur between 5 pm Friday and end around 9 am Saturday. All precipitation is anticipated to end by 6pm on Saturday evening.
The District will deploy approximately 270 pieces of equipment which includes nearly 60 contract plows brought in to assist with snow removal. Over 750 employees will work 12-hour shifts over the weekend. In addition, all five salt domes will be activated including locations at Potomac & R, SE; W Street, NE; Farragut, NE; Reno, NW & Georgetown, NW. Residents and motorists are advised to stay off roadways during the storm to allow crews access to streets.
“Snow accumulation for Friday rush is expected,” said DDOT Director Klein. “People should look to adjust their departure times, take transit instead of driving on Friday, and give themselves plenty of time to arrive home. No one should be in a rush.”
Klein also addressed concerns with regard to heavy snow accumulations on tree branches and limbs. “Residents are reminded to call 311 to report downed limbs, branches, and trees. Please remember for most calls, our crews will not be able to get out until after the storm system has passed so please be patient.”
Residents are again reminded to clear sidewalks and walkways periodically throughout the storm. This will allow for faster clearing and accessibility to pedestrian areas as the system moves out.
“After the last big storm in December we saw a lot of people walking in the streets which is unsafe,” said DPW Director Howland. “This is dangerous for pedestrians and our crews who will be out in full force clearing streets. If the sidewalks are clear, people can stay on them.”
More information for DC can be found on their Emergency Center web site.
Safety Tips
Driving
* Stay off the roads if possible during and immediately following the storm.
* Give the snow plows plenty of room to do their jobs.
* Have a designated driver. It’s Super Bowl weekend, so be safe.
* Keep a taxicab company’s number nearby, just in case.
Home
* Make sure shovels and other snow removal equipment are in working order.
* Spread salt or non-clumping kitty litter before the snow begins. Shovel to keep walkways around your property clear of snow.
* Know your neighbors, especially those who may need your assistance or who can assist you during or after a snow emergency. Use the time before a snow storm to develop a volunteer list to assist neighbors who are unable to shovel.
* Stock up on batteries for flashlights, radios, battery-powered computer games, toys, lamps and lanterns and blankets.
* Compile a list of family members’ medications, as well as phone numbers for doctors, pharmacies and emergency rooms.
* Stay warm but stay safe. Have alternative heat sources and plenty of blankets on hand in case of a power outage, but be sure to monitor space heaters and keep them away from curtains, tots and pets. Cover the windows and spaces around the doors to keep drafts at a minimum.
Other Home Items
* Extra food. Consider some foods that do not require cooking or refrigeration.
* Bottled water.
* First-aid supplies.
* Backup heating supply, such as a generator, fireplace or space heater.
* Charge your cell phone.
* Check the batteries in your smoke detectors and flashlights.
* Make sure your gas tank is full.
* Make sure the account information on file with your electric utility is correct. Have the number to your utility handy, should the power go out.
Car
* Put a 10-pound bag of cat litter, ice scraper, shovel, and blanket, flash light and emergency supplies in the vehicle.
* Keep gas tanks at least half full.
* Buy new windshield wiper blades and winterize your car and tires.
* Keep mobile telephones fully charged. Invest in a car charger. * Identify alternate parking space(s), either on or off-street, particularly if your street is a Snow Emergency Route.
* If you must be on the road, drive slowly!
Here are some updates as of 11:34 a.m.(EST):
- The City of Baltimore has just cancelled public schools for today.
- Federal government workers are on unscheduled leave today.
- Amtrak service going south from D.C. has been cancelled for today and tomorrow.
- Dulles Airport currently has visibility of about half a mile.
Due to the February 5/6 snowstorm, here is a list of the latest weather closings in the Northern Virginia and D.C. areas:
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Alexandria Public Schools – CLOSED; Code Green for Employees; Weekend Activities Canceled
Allegany County Public Schools – CLOSED
Anne Arundel County Schools – Closing 2 HRS early
Arlington County Schools – CLOSED ALL WEEKEND ACTIVITIES CANCELLED
Berkeley County Schools – CLOSED
Booker T. Washington Public Charter – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Calvert County Schools – NO WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Capital City Public Charter School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Carlos Rosario Int’l PCS – AM CLASSES OPEN; PM CLASSES CANCELLED; SAT. CLASSES CANCELLED
Carroll County Public Schools – Students will be dismissed 2 hours and 45 minutes early
Centronia-DC Bilingual P.S. – CLOSED
Charles County Schools – CLOSED
Clarke County Schools – CLOSED ALL WEEKEND ACTIVITIES ARE CANCELLED
Community Academy Public Charter School – CLOSED
Culpeper County Schools – CLOSED
DC Prep Edgewood Middle Campus – CLOSED
DC Prep Benning E.S. Campus – CLOSED
DC Prep EMC – CLOSED
DC Public Schools – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Falls Church City Public Schools – MS DISMISS AT 12PM; ES DISMISS AT 12:30P; HS DISMISS AT 1:15P
Fauquier County Schools – CLOSED
Frederick County MD Schools – Closing 3 1/2 HRS early
Frederick County VA Public Schools – CLOSED
Fredericksburg City Schools – CLOSED
Garrett County Schools – CLOSED
Grant County Schools – CLOSED
Hampshire County Schools – CLOSED
Hardy County Schools – CLOSED
Howard County Schools – Closing 3 HRS early
Hyde Public Charter School – CLOSED
Ideal Academy Public Charter School – CLOSED
Jefferson County Schools – CLOSED
King George County Schools – CLOSED
LAYC YouthBuild Public Charter – CLOSED
Loudoun County Schools – CLOSED
Madison County Schools – CLOSED
Manassas City Schools – CLOSED; Code Blue for Employees
Manassas Park City Schools – CLOSED
Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Meridian Public Charter School – CLOSING AT NOON
Mineral County Schools – CLOSED
Montgomery County Schools – CLOSING 2 1/2 HOURS EARLY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES CANCELLED
Morgan County Schools – CLOSED
National Collegiate Prep Public Charter – CLOSED
Orange County Schools – CLOSED
Page County Schools – CLOSED
Paul Public Charter School – CLOSED
Potomac Lighthouse Public Charter – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES CANCELLED
Prince George’s County Schools – Closing 3 HRS early EVENING AND WEEKEND ACTIVITIES CANCELLED
Prince William County Schools – CLOSED; CODE RED
Quantico DOD Schools – CLOSED
Rappahannock County Public Schools – CLOSED
Shenandoah County Public Schools – CLOSED
Spotsylvania County Public Schools – CLOSED – Code E
St. Mary’s County Schools – CLOSED 12 MONTH EMPLOYEES REPORT ON TIME
Stafford County Public Schools – CLOSED-CODE 1 EMPLOYEES
Warren County Schools – CLOSED
Washington County Public Schools – Closing 2 1/2 HRS early
Washington Mathematics Science Tech – CLOSED
Winchester City Schools – CLOSED
Young America Works Public Charter – NO EVENING ACTIVITIES
GOVERNMENT OFFICES
7th Circuit Court-Prince George’s Co. – OPEN
Alexandria Government – LIBERAL LEAVE
Arlington County Gov’t – CLOSED
Calvert County Gov’t – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM ESSENTIAL EMPLOYEES REPORT
Charles Co. Circuit Courts – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Charles Co. Gov’t – Closing at 1:30PM
DC Gov’t – CLOSE AT 2PM
DC Public Library – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM CLOSED SATURDAY
DC Superior Court/Court of Appeals – CLOSING AT 1:00 PM
Dept. of the Army Fort Myer – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
District Court Charles Co. – CLOSING AT 12:00PM
District Court of Maryland (P.G County) – CLOSING AT 12:30 AM
District Court of Maryland: (Calvert Co. – CLOSING AT 1:30 PM
District Court of MD: (St. Mary’s) – CLOSING AT 1:30 PM
Fairfax Circuit Court – CLOSING AT 2PM
Fairfax Co. General Court – CLOSING AT NOON
Fairfax Co. Juvenile Court – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
Fairfax County Gov’t – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
Falls Church City Gov’t – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
Federal Government – OPEN – Unsched. Leave; 4 hour early dismissal
Fort Belvoir – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE 4 HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL
Fort McNair – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
Loudoun County Government – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
Mont. Co. District Court – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
National Gallery of Art – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
National Museum of Health and Medicine – CLOSING AT 1:30 PM
Nat’l Institute of Standards and Technology – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
Naval Surface Warfare Center (Indian Head) – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
Prince William County Government – UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
PRTC-OmniRide – EMERGENCY SNOW PLAN IN EFFECT
Quantico Marine Base – CODE YELLOW
U.S. Court of Appeals D.C. Circuit – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
U.S. Naval Academy – CLOSING AT 12:01 PM
TRANSPORTATION
PRTC-OmniLink – EMERGENCY SNOW PLAN IN EFFECT
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Academy for Ideal Education – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Barrie School – CLOSED
Beauvoir School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Bishop McNamara H.S. – CLOSED
British School of Washington – CLOSED
Bullis School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Burgundy Farm Country Day School – CLOSED
Calverton School – CLOSING AT 12:15 PM
Children’s Towne Academy – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
Christ Chapel Academy – CLOSED
Christian Faith and Fellowship School – CLOSED
Church of the Redeemer Christian School – CLOSING AT NOON
Clinton Christian School – CLOSED
Congressional Schools of VA – CLOSED
Corkran Preschool – CLOSED
Dreams and Visions Christian Learning Ce – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Dupont Park Adventist School – CLOSING AT 1PM NO AFTER CARE
Early Childhood Acad. Pub. Charter Sch. – CLOSED-DC
Emmanuel Christian School – CLOSED
Epiphany Catholic School – CLOSED
Fairfax Baptist Temple Academy – CLOSED
Fairfax Christian School – CLOSED
Firm Foundation Early Childhood Enrichment Ctr – CLOSING AT 1:00 PM
Friends Meeting School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Friendship Public Charter Schools – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Geneva Day School – CLOSING AT 11:30 AM
Georgetown Day School – CLOSED
Gesher Jewish Day School – CLOSED
Golden Pond School – ONLY S.A.C IS OPEN
Great Falls Village Green Day School – PRESCHOOL CANCELLED; SAC/CHILDCARE CLOSE AT NOON
Highland Park Christian Academy – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Highland School – CLOSED
Holton Arms School – CLOSED
Hyattsville Hills Child and Family Ctr. – CLOSING AT 1:00 PM
Independent Baptist Academy – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Ivymount School – Closing 2 1/2 HRS early; NO PM PROGRAMS AT MADDOX
Lab School of Washington – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM; All Weekend Activities Canceled
Landon School – CLOSED
Leesburg Christian School – CLOSED
Levine School of Music – CLOSED
Loudoun Country Day School – CLOSED
Maret – CLOSING AT 12:30 PM
McLean School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Montessori Country School – CLOSED
Montessori School of McLean – CLOSED
Montrose Christian School – CLOSED
Nannie Burroughs School – CLOSING AT NOON
National Cathedral School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Naylor Road School – CLOSING AT 11:59 AM
New Chapel Christian Academy – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
New Life Christian School – CLOSING AT NOON
Outreach Christian Center Academy – CLOSED
Philips School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Princeton Day Academy – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Queen Anne School – CLOSED
Reston Montessori School – CLOSING AT 3:30 PM
Seven Oaks Academy – CLOSING AT 12:30 PM
Southern Maryland Higher Education Ctr – CLOSING AT 1:00 PM
St. Albans School – CLOSING AT 12:30 PM
St. Andrew Kim Korean School – CLOSED ON SATURDAY
St. Patrick Episcopal Day School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
St. Paul’s School – CLOSED
Star of Bethlehem Christian Academy – CLOSED
The Apple Tree Pre-School Academy – CLOSED
The Barnesville School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
The GW Community School – CLOSED
The Mitchellville School – CLOSING AT 12:00 AM
The Montessori School of No. VA – CLOSED
The Potomac School – CLOSED
The Seed School of Maryland – CLOSED
Wakefield Country Day School – CLOSED
Washington Episcopal School – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Washington Theological Union – CLOSING AT NOON CLOSED ON SATURDAY
Wesley Theological Seminary – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM NO CLASSES FRIDAY NIGHT OR SATURDAY
Woodstream Christian Academy – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Word of Faith Christian College Graduate School – CLOSED
Word of Life Christian Academy – CLOSED
COLLEGES
American University – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Bowie State University – CLOSING AT NOON ALL WEEK activitIES CANCELLED
Capitol College – CLOSED
College of Southern Maryland – CLOSED
Columbia College – CLOSED
Columbia School of Broadcasting – CLOSED
Corcoran College of Art and Design – CLOSING AT 1:00 PM
DeVry University – CLOSING AT 2PM NO EVENING CLASSES
Florida Institute of Technology – CLOSED
Gallaudet University – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
George Mason University – CLOSING AT 12:30PM CLOSED TOMORROW
Hood College – CLOSING AT 12:30 AM
Howard University – CLOSING AT NOON UNSCHEDULED LEAVE
Marymount University – CLOSING AT NOON CLOSED ON SATURDAY
Montgomery College – CLOSING AT NOON TODAY CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Northern Virginia Community College – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM; CLOSED SAT/SUN
Potomac College – CLOSING AT 1:00 PM CLOSED SATURDAY
Potomac State College – CLOSED
Prince George’s Community College – CLOSING AT NOON CLOSED SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
St. Mary’s College – CLOSING AT NOON
Stratford University – CLOSED
Strayer University – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM – NO CLASSES ON SATURDAY
Trinity University – CLOSING AT NOON CLOSED ON SATURDAY
Univ. of District of Columbia – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Univ. of Maryland College Park (UMCP) – CLOSED
Univ. of Maryland University College (UMUC) – CLOSED
Univ. of Virginia Falls Church – NO EVENING CLASSES
Univ. System of MD: Shady Grove Ctr – CLOSING AT NOON
University of Mary Washington – CLOSING AT 10:00 AM
University of Northern Virginia – NO FRI. AFT. & EVENING CLASSES; NO SAT. CLASSES
Virginia International University – CLOSED
Virginia Tech (Northern Virginia Center) – NO EVENING CLASSES
DAYCARE
All Day Quality Care – CLOSING AT 3:00 PM
Annandale Preschool Association Inc. – CLOSED
Bar-t – CLOSING AT 3PM
Hayat Children’s Center – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
Henry McNeal Turner Early Learning Ctr. – CLOSING AT 12:00 NOON
KIDSCO. Inc. – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
Kuumba Learning Center – CLOSING AT 11:00 AM
Lena Sears Development Ctr. – CLOSED
Maria Teresa’s Early Enrichment Center – CLOSED
Montgomery Child Care Assoc. – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
Rising Generations Early Learning Center – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
The Kid’s Corner – CLOSING AT NOON
Village Green at Lowes Island – PRE SCHOOL CANCELLED CHILD CARE/SACC CLOSED AT NOON
BUSINESSES
NASA Goddard Space Center – CODE RED AT 1PM
Associates for Renewal in Education – CLOSING AT 2:00 PM
Fannie Mae – LIBERAL LEAVE
National Zoo – CLOSING AT NOON
Phillips Collection Museum – CLOSING AT 2PM CLOSED SATURDAY
School of Rock – CLOSED NO EVENING ACTIVITIES
Whitman-Walker Clinic – CLOSING AT 1:00 PM
CHURCHES
Christian’s Comm. Ctr. of Alexandria – CLOSED
Dupont Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church – CLOSED NO EVENING ACTIVITIES
First Baptist Church of Manassas – OPEN
Harvest Life Changers Church – OPEN NO EVENING ACTIVITIES
Mormon Temple – CLOSING AT 12:00 PM
Mount Rona Baptist Church – NO EVENING ACTIVITIES
Mt. Ennon Baptist – NO EVENING ACTIVITIES
True Believers Ministries – EVENT CANCELLED
OTHER
Fairfax Jewish Community Center – Closing at Friday Closed Saturday
Winter weather news for Shenandoah Valley – Latest closing: The Valentine Dinner at North Mountain Vineyard in Maurertown, VA, has been resheduled to Saturday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Visit http://www.northmountainvineyard.com for more information.
February 5, 2010 – Latest Air Travel News – Effects of Snowstorm – Fox News is reporting that 14 major airports along the U.S. East Coast have now been affected by the snow storm, including Washington National and Dulles, BWI, LaGuardia, Newark, JFK, Philadelphia, and Hartsfield (Atlanta).
Most of the large U.S. airlines have waived fees for passengers who want to change their flying dates to avoid potentially serious winter storms in the East, including flights to/from New York.
“Weather waivers” are being issued by Delta, United, Continental, US Airways, and AirTran. Passengers who change their tickets, however, must rebook on flights within the next few days.
Snow health tip – Let’s get prepared for shoveling out – Here’s a great article for shoveling snow safely – so you don’t hurt yourself. Check it out: http://www.uwhealth.org/news/tips-for-safe-snow-shoveling/25963
Weather.com reports the following snowstorm updates for Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland, as of 4:37 p.m.(EST):
Snow weighing power lines down
Overnight and early this morning, Asheville, NC received a very wet and heavy snow which then later turned into freezing rain. Accumulating wet snow and ice went on to create major power outage headaches as power lines began to be ripped down. North Carolina’s two major utilities — Progress Energy and Duke Energy — reported a total of about 40,000 outages late Friday afternoon, mostly in the mountains. Progress Energy is in the midst of repairs and getting power restored.
Virginia power outages
Power outages are mounting in southwestern Virginia as a major winter storm rolls through. Appalachian Power says about 17,700 customers were without service Friday afternoon.
Damaging winds in WV, VA
This is a very powerful storm from the synoptic (large) scale to the mesoscale (medium). Heavy rain moving through southeast WV and southwest Virginia was a catalyst in dragging powerful winds aloft to flow down to the surface. Tazewell, Virginia recorded winds gusting to close to 80 mph while Bluefield, West Virginia recorded a wind gust of near 60 mph.
Multiple structures were blown down in Tazewell and there is widespread tree and power line damage. Nearly 50 percent of the county of Tazewell is without power. Several streets are blocked by downed trees across the county.
Blizzard warnings extended
The National Weather Service has extended blizzard warnings into the counties along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. This includes Anne Arundel, St. Mary and Calvert County. Annapolis, MD id now under a blizzard warning.
Shenandoah Valley Weather Update – Road Conditions – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is reporting the following accidents and weather problems on Interstate 81, and Interstate 64 in Virginia:
**Tractor Trailer Accident I-81 North – mile marker 313.2
County: Frederick (County)
Description: On I-81 at mile marker 313.2 in the County of Frederick, motorists can expect potential delays due to a tractor trailer accident. The north left lane, right lane, and right shoulder are closed.
(Last Update: 2/5/2010 5:27 PM)
**Tractor Trailer Accident I-81 South – mile marker 198.0
County: Rockbridge (County)
Description: On I-81 at mile marker 198 in the County of Rockbridge, motorists can expect potential delays due to a tractor trailer accident. The south left lane is closed.
(Last Update: 2/5/2010 5:23 PM)
**Multi-Vehicle Accident I-81 South – mile marker 291.0
County: Shenandoah (County)
Description: On I-81 at mile marker 291 in the County of Shenandoah, motorists can expect potential delays due to a multi-vehicle accident. The south left shoulder and right shoulder are closed.
(Last Update: 2/5/2010 5:23 PM)
**Weather Fog – I-64 East and I-64 West
County: Augusta (County)
Description: On I-64 East at mile marker 99 in the County of Augusta, motorists can expect potential delays due to fog.
(Last Update: 2/5/2010 4:37 PM)
According to Channel 9 TV in D.C. – Romney, West Virginia, is already reporting 10 inches of snow on the ground. Front Royal, VA is reporting 5 inches of accumulation thus far.
Doppler Radar is showing the Shenandoah Valley in the weather band that’s expected to receive between 20 to 30 inches of total snow fall for this winter storm.
More blizzard updates for Virginia:
- The Associated Press is reporting the following deaths in Virginia due to the snow storm: “In western Virginia, a tractor-trailer struck and killed a father and son who had stopped to help another driver who had wrecked in snow on Interstate 81, Virginia State Police said. William Edward Smith Jr., 25, of Mooresburg, Tenn., and 54-year-old William Edward Smith Sr. of Sylva, N.C., died at the scene, authorities said.”
- The Virginia State Police have reported more than 200 accidents across the state (through Friday afternoon).
- Several states, including Virginia, have exhausted or expect to exhaust their snow removal budgets.
- It was announced in Woodstock, VA that a shelter will be set up in Shenandoah County, if needed.
CHARLESTON – West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin has declared a state-wide state of emergency due to the winter storm that is reaching West Virginia at this time. Through the next two days, the storm is predicted to drop large amounts of wet snow in the Northern and Eastern Panhandle areas and a mixture of ice and snow across West Virginia.
Jefferson County, West Virginia, activates emergency operations center
The Jefferson County Homeland Security & Emergency Management has activated their Emergency Operations Center. For emergencies, citizens should call 9-1-1 for assistance. For all non-emergencies, call (304) 728-6345. If people have snow mobiles, 4-wheelers or 4-wheel drive vehicles and are willing to volunteer we are creating a list of anyone who is interested over the course of this weekend. If so please contact, Jennifer Maggio at (304) 724-8914. They are encouraging everyone to please stay off the roads. If in an emergency, you need to travel, please be very cautious of your surroundings, as visibilities around one quarter-mile are expected tonight due to the heavy snow.
Exciting blog. Read several other of your blogged articles or blog posts and I must say it is becoming a daily habit of mine to keep coming back searching for new stuff lol. Keep up the very good work.