Washington D.C. Continues to Be Blasted by Huge Snowstorm and Blizzard

The massive blizzard in the Mid-Atlantic region is continuing to drop snow at a steady, fast pace. The huge predictions for snow put the entire region into a frenzy, and as of Saturday, February 6 everything is basically shut down in the Washington D.C. Metro area.

I've been recounting the blizzard since it began early yesterday morning, and you can read more updates on my D.C. Blizzard Updates blog. You'll be able to see how the storm has progressed all throughout yesterday and today, as well as snow totals and accumulations and more. Thank you everyone for all of the kind comments I have received there, and I will continue updating that as the day continues.

As mentioned, from my area in Rockville, Maryland, which is north of Washington D.C., everything has come to a standstill. As of about 1:30 pm Saturday, there was about 20-22 inches of snow on the ground, with another 3-5 inches of snow on the way. This will satisfy the 24 inch predictions, but come short of the 30 inch predictions, and the circulating rumors that the Pentagon held briefings warning of 48 inches of snow.

In Montgomery County and the D.C. area, public transportation is basically completely done with. Above ground metro stations in the D.C. area have been closed since last evening, as have been Montgomery Country Ride On buses. All local businesses also appear to be closed.

To the area's credit, the local government seems to be pretty proactive about getting the snow cleared as much as possible right now. The roads are still a disaster - but a lot of progress has been made.

As for the parking lot in my neighborhood, the cars are snowed in to such a degree that they blend in with the rest of the snow elsewhere, merely serving as additional bumps and mounds of snow, indistinguishable from the rest. You can take a look at some of the photographs above to get a good idea of how the D.C. blizzard and Mid-Atlantic snowstorm looks firsthand.

In combination with the steady, wet snow, there have also been wind gusts exceeding 30 mph. This has created an environment with a minimal amount of visibility, and areas with drifting snow. Some snow drifts just walking along the streets have accumulated to over 4 feet in depth. It's easy to get lost in there.

There have been some reports of power outages all throughout the region, and even just venturing out to a few local streets there have been a handful of downed trees and large branches from trees. It seems the situation could get worse before it gets better, but the snow is expected to stop by later on this afternoon.

As for me during the rest of the D.C. blizzard, I'll be bunkered down. I'm set to go with the essentials - chili ingredients, beer, wine and chips - for the Super Bowl tomorrow afternoon, and I certainly won't be attempting to leave the house at any point soon. Stay safe and warm out there!