yoda Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Seems Prince William got overwhelmed too https://x.com/PWCSNews/status/1877137224891855292 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pazzo83 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 7 minutes ago, yoda said: Hello FCPS Staff and Families, As we navigate through another day of cold weather and icy roads, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your patience as we work to reopen our schools to students and staff. I also remain inspired by our outstanding custodial, facilities, transportation, and grounds crews who continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of our schools and vehicles. I want to provide an update on tomorrow’s school status. The Virginia Department of Transportation has been prioritizing clearing secondary roads, however clearing bus stops and sidewalks has continued to be problematic. Many sidewalks and bus stops (we have 45,000 bus stops!) continue to be covered in snow. With that in mind, we feel that closing all Fairfax County public schools tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, 2025, is the best decision until we can ensure safe travel to and from school. While schools will be closed, school offices and central offices will open to the public at 10 a.m. not an issue if people shoveled the sidewalks in front of their house. In DC they will fine you quite quickly if you don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoda Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 2 minutes ago, pazzo83 said: not an issue if people shoveled the sidewalks in front of their house. In DC they will fine you quite quickly if you don't. Oh I definitely agree it should be done that way, but I don't think Fairfax has a law like that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve25 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Is anyone else kind of down that this next storm system is just going to graze by? I understand there are factors in play that are leading to this result. I just can't stop thinking about how a week ago all the talk was about how the second week of January was loaded with potential, with the big fear being that it would be too cold and lead to suppression. Now here we are, into the second week of January and we're about to have a significant system moving through the south, and we're not in some unbelievable, brutal cold airmass, yet...it's still not going to work out. I just keep thinking, man, if that thing could just hit the coast and ride up. Feels like this could've been the one to take this January from okay to GREAT. I'll continue to hope for around the 20th and beyond, but this one stings. Just ranting it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncforecaster89 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday period and a good start to the new year. Hoping that the late January period might produce a significant winter storm. That aside, I wanted to ask about your own thoughts on how you might classify each respective winter storm event based on snowfall totals over a widespread geographical area (minimum of 4-6”)? Here’s my own best submission. Winter Storm Event Classification: Cat 1…….4-8”……….Impactful Cat 2…….6-12”……..Moderate Cat 3……12-18”……..Major Cat 4……18-24”…….Extreme Cat 5……24+”……….Historic Thoughts? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yoda Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Loudoun county changed to closed tomorrow "After further assessment of neighborhood roads and sidewalks this evening after sunset, we have determined that Loudoun County Public Schools will remain closed Thursday, January 9 due to additional freezing and icy conditions." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maestrobjwa Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 1 hour ago, Steve25 said: Is anyone else kind of down that this next storm system is just going to graze by? I understand there are factors in play that are leading to this result. I just can't stop thinking about how a week ago all the talk was about how the second week of January was loaded with potential, with the big fear being that it would be too cold and lead to suppression. Now here we are, into the second week of January and we're about to have a significant system moving through the south, and we're not in some unbelievable, brutal cold airmass, yet...it's still not going to work out. I just keep thinking, man, if that thing could just hit the coast and ride up. Feels like this could've been the one to take this January from okay to GREAT. I'll continue to hope for around the 20th and beyond, but this one stings. Just ranting it out. I'm gonna be blunt: You've gotta let it go, man. Once it's clear a threat won't work out, just make like a punter and well...punt! Don't spend another ounce of mental energy on it. It'll drive ya crazy--trust me, lol Distance always helps after a threat doesn't materialize...So perhaps now may is the perfect time for a break from here 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenkinsJinkies Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 1 hour ago, Steve25 said: Is anyone else kind of down that this next storm system is just going to graze by? I understand there are factors in play that are leading to this result. I just can't stop thinking about how a week ago all the talk was about how the second week of January was loaded with potential, with the big fear being that it would be too cold and lead to suppression. Now here we are, into the second week of January and we're about to have a significant system moving through the south, and we're not in some unbelievable, brutal cold airmass, yet...it's still not going to work out. I just keep thinking, man, if that thing could just hit the coast and ride up. Feels like this could've been the one to take this January from okay to GREAT. I'll continue to hope for around the 20th and beyond, but this one stings. Just ranting it out. Getting an inch after a larger storm this time of year doesn't sting. What does sting is having the favorable pattern be perpetually 15 days away and then suddenly collapse in mid February. What also stings is falling just short of climo because a storm component failed at the last minute and the following winter is wall to wall mild and snowless. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve25 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 5 minutes ago, Maestrobjwa said: I'm gonna be blunt: You've gotta let it go, man. Once it's clear a threat won't work out, just make like a punter and well...punt! Don't spend another ounce of mental energy on it. It'll drive ya crazy--trust me, lol Distance always helps after a threat doesn't materialize...So perhaps now may is the perfect time for a break from here Oh, I'll definitely let it go. It was just a quick thought I had in a weak moment and I thought if there was anywhere I might be comfortable sharing it, it would be in here. I'm on to the next period of interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nj2va Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 2 hours ago, pazzo83 said: pretty pathetic to be closed for 4 days - it's not like we got 20" of snow. DCPS opened today (and will obviously be opened tomorrow). It’s ridiculous. Open the damn schools. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pazzo83 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 13 minutes ago, nj2va said: It’s ridiculous. Open the damn schools. DCPS was like - get your ass to school. Suburbs are soft, no offense lol 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mappy Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Nice lake effect band this morning 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MN Transplant Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 11 hours ago, yoda said: Hello FCPS Staff and Families, As we navigate through another day of cold weather and icy roads, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your patience as we work to reopen our schools to students and staff. I also remain inspired by our outstanding custodial, facilities, transportation, and grounds crews who continue to work around the clock to ensure the safety of our schools and vehicles. I want to provide an update on tomorrow’s school status. The Virginia Department of Transportation has been prioritizing clearing secondary roads, however clearing bus stops and sidewalks has continued to be problematic. Many sidewalks and bus stops (we have 45,000 bus stops!) continue to be covered in snow. With that in mind, we feel that closing all Fairfax County public schools tomorrow, Thursday, January 9, 2025, is the best decision until we can ensure safe travel to and from school. While schools will be closed, school offices and central offices will open to the public at 10 a.m. I know this is my inner Minnesotan coming through, but it is ok to walk on snow and ice. And I'm going to blow some minds, but it is ok to drive on snow too. 1 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
09-10 analogy Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 On 1/8/2025 at 8:07 AM, Interstate said: It is sad news to see that Brian Matusz died yesterday morning. That's awful. Guy was so young. Had some good moments with the Orioles. He absolutely owned Ortiz. RIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IUsedToHateCold Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Honest question - any chance the bay freezes over with this extended cold snap? I know it happened back in 2014 or something. Would be interesting to see it happen again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dailylurker Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Just now, IUsedToHateCold said: Honest question - any chance the bay freezes over with this extended cold snap? I know it happened back in 2014 or something. Would be interesting to see it happen again. The tributaries are already mostly frozen. I think we're in for some pretty historic ice over the next few weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adelphi_sky Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 10 hours ago, ncforecaster89 said: Hi Everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday period and a good start to the new year. Hoping that the late January period might produce a significant winter storm. That aside, I wanted to ask about your own thoughts on how you might classify each respective winter storm event based on snowfall totals over a widespread geographical area (minimum of 4-6”)? Here’s my own best submission. Winter Storm Event Classification: Cat 1…….4-8”……….Impactful Cat 2…….6-12”……..Moderate Cat 3……12-18”……..Major Cat 4……18-24”…….Extreme Cat 5……24+”……….Historic Thoughts? At this point in our recent climo, anything over 12" would be historical. On this board, I think anything over 18" would be Biblical. Major would be 6-12. I got close to 10" and my school system has been out for 4 days. I'd call that major. You would also have to factor in the cold I guess. How long does the snow hang around to impact an area. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deer Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 I propose a ban for anyone discussing or posting pictures of the 12k NAM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattie g Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 1 hour ago, MN Transplant said: I know this is my inner Minnesotan coming through, but it is ok to walk on snow and ice. And I'm going to blow some minds, but it is ok to drive on snow too. I think it's just the fear of someone falling and getting hurt, then a suit follows (or just bad PR). For an area that only gets continuous snowpack every so often, I'm guessing they'd rather not take the chance and just accept being closed for an extended time once every 5-10 years. I agree with you in principle though. The funny thing is that there was far less sledding and outdoor fun being had yesterday because I think the kids were just worn out from going nuts on Monday and Tuesday, so it's not like they'd be missing out on any sort of fun while they're in school! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldie 22 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 2 hours ago, MN Transplant said: I know this is my inner Minnesotan coming through, but it is ok to walk on snow and ice. And I'm going to blow some minds, but it is ok to drive on snow too. I loved the video a few weeks back showing the 100's of cars sliding off the road in Minnesota, they did it with much more confidence then we do here in Virginia 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IUsedToHateCold Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 1 hour ago, dailylurker said: The tributaries are already mostly frozen. I think we're in for some pretty historic ice over the next few weeks. Nice. I might drive down and take a look. Such a rare event shouldn’t go unobserved Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dailylurker Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 13 minutes ago, IUsedToHateCold said: Nice. I might drive down and take a look. Such a rare event shouldn’t go unobserved Absolutely not! Definitely come on down. It's reminds me of visiting Lake Placid with my family as a kid. I suspect we'll be seeing ice in the 4-6 inch thickness range in a week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowfan Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 2 hours ago, MN Transplant said: I know this is my inner Minnesotan coming through, but it is ok to walk on snow and ice. And I'm going to blow some minds, but it is ok to drive on snow too. Kids can’t make it to school, but they sure as hell can get there to go sledding at the local school sledding hill. And afterwards their parents take them for a Starbucks run. But first thing in the morning it’s totally unsafe to leave for actual school. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattie g Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 19 minutes ago, snowfan said: Kids can’t make it to school, but they sure as hell can get there to go sledding at the local school sledding hill. And afterwards their parents take them for a Starbucks run. But first thing in the morning it’s totally unsafe to leave for actual school. It's not any more unsafe to go to the bus stop, but the schools don't want the bad PR and/or potential lawsuit should some kid slip and get hurt in the process of getting to school. That's really all it is. The likelihood of something bad happening is incredibly small, but in a litigious society those potentially being litigated against don't want to take chances. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2O Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 ah the age ol gripe fest over schools. All I know is that based off pics and what people have told me, VDOT has done a shitty job with this storm. There are streets near me that are total ice. Never plowed. So while yours might have been not all have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pazzo83 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 3 hours ago, MN Transplant said: I know this is my inner Minnesotan coming through, but it is ok to walk on snow and ice. And I'm going to blow some minds, but it is ok to drive on snow too. i feel like growing up the school districts weren't this soft. you'd miss the day it snowed, and usually the day after (if it was >6"). Only time you'd miss more is if there was a lot of icing that didn't melt or it was a class Nor'easter (with 12+"). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pazzo83 Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 12 minutes ago, H2O said: ah the age ol gripe fest over schools. All I know is that based off pics and what people have told me, VDOT has done a shitty job with this storm. There are streets near me that are total ice. Never plowed. So while yours might have been not all have. yeah VDOT is pretty bad with snow. That's one of the differences between living in a city vs county in VA. In our city, the city was responsible for clearing snow (and did an OK job). The county roads were always terrible lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deer Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 22 minutes ago, H2O said: ah the age ol gripe fest over schools. All I know is that based off pics and what people have told me, VDOT has done a shitty job with this storm. There are streets near me that are total ice. Never plowed. So while yours might have been not all have. it's still fairly sketchy around me. can imagine further west it may be worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordBaltimore Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 Sometimes I wonder if I'd be happier or more productive if it snowed less. I'm sitting here looking at 18z temperatures to see how long we have until it melts. It feels like when you have an older pet and you know they only have a little while left Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
H2O Posted January 9 Share Posted January 9 20 minutes ago, pazzo83 said: yeah VDOT is pretty bad with snow. That's one of the differences between living in a city vs county in VA. In our city, the city was responsible for clearing snow (and did an OK job). The county roads were always terrible lol. Its the disparity thats the problem. My cul de sac was plowed 5 times and its not anywhere near an important road. Yet 1/2 mile away a neighborhood with hills was never touched. The groups contracted to plow are just not efficient or doing their job. I don't know if favoritism is playing a role but i suspect it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now