Blizzard Blanketing D.C. in Snow, Closes Metro

The snowstorm on the east coast has blanketed Washington, D.C., in snow with blizzard conditions expected to continue through tomorrow. Currently, the National Weather Service is predicting an additional 8-12 inches accumulation this afternoon with 1-2 inches likely to follow tonight. Today's continued snowfall will more than double the 10 inches of snow already accumulated since the blizzard began last evening.

The Washington, D.C., Metro system announced on local television stations plans to shut down within the hour due to the blizzard. Amtrak is not reporting delays so far but advises travelers to continue checking at 1-800-USA-RAIL for possible delays as this major east coast storm progresses. Reagan National Airport is currently open but authorities there suggest that travelers check with individual airlines for flight delays.

The Washington Times reported that President Obama's helicopter was grounded by the massive snowstorm, requiring him to travel to the White House by motorcade after landing at Andrews Airforce Base on his return from the climate conference in Copenhagen.

The east coast snowstorm has spawned both blizzard and winter storm warnings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A blizzard warning is more severe than a winter storm warning, indicating whiteout conditions. During a blizzard, the public is advised not to travel at all.

Washington Post's Capital Weather gang reports that spontaneous efforts online to name this presumptively record-breaking storm have already generated the nicknames "Snowpocalypse" and "Capital Crippler."

A major snow storm this early in the season is unusual in Washington DC, but was anticipated by the Old Farmer's Almanac which predicted heavier than usual snow along the east coast from November until March. Full season snow totals in Washington DC maxed out at 9.5 inches during the past 3 years, a season total already surpassed by this singular blizzard.

In 2003, a blizzard left 16.6 inches of snow at the official measuring point Reagan National Airport, while in 1996, Washington, D.C., was snowed under 17.4 inches of snow. The record snowfall in the nation's capital stands at 28 inches, dating to 1922.

Other noteworthy blizzards that blanketed Washington, D.C., in snow include the blizzard of 1979 with snowfall of 18.7 inches, and that of 1983 with 16.6 inches. Back to back snowstorms in 1987 left behind 20 inches of snow.

The snow has not deterred children and dog walkers in this residential neighborhood just outside DC proper. The main road is plowed while the residential streets are a blanket of white.

Residents stocked up at grocery stores yesterday, heeding the warning to prepare for the impassable road conditions typical whenever massive snowstorms hit the area. At a grocery store where I stopped to buy ice melter and antifreeze, the parking lot was full to capacity with several cars waiting for parking, forcing would-be shoppers to park on the street or wait for parking.

Whether this blizzard breaks any records or not, it is a storm that is already creating memories for those who live here and brings the promise of a white Christmas, a phenomenon rarely seen here.

Sources: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalweathergang/; http://www.almanac.com/content/snow-report-our-winter-weather-forecast; http://weblogs.wgntv.com/chicago-weather/tom-skilling-blog/2009/12/predicted-snowstorm-on-east-co.html; http://www.weather.com/newscenter/topstories/030216DCsnow.html; http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/dec/19/dc-area-hit-massive-snowstorm/; http://www.weatherbook.com/snowreport2003.htm.