Big snow hits the southern USA

[Tartan Hiker]

Well, over the past 24 hours we got blasted by 8 to 14 inches of snow, depending on your elevation. The roads are a mess, and few around here know how to drive in snow, so getting out and about is dicey. I ventured out this afternoon with my 4X4 F-150, but it wasn't easy. Power lines and trees are down all over the county, and we probably won't see utilities up again for at least a week. We do have a small Honda generator that keeps the refrigerator and freezer going, and a few lights.

I thought some of you would like to see what we're up against:

First, the obligatory house shot


And my trusty ride before I dug her out


Our back deck last night


Strolling around this morning with a cup of coffee. Today's answer to the question: Boots, Socks, and Gaiters!


Our local Red Fox was all over the place last night looking for a snack.


Now I know that some of you live in places where 9 inches of snow is a mere dusting, but around here this is a lot!


Hauling some wood from the shed. We heat with wood, so there is no problem with heat despite the lack of utilities.


My youngest son and I spent an hour digging the neighbor's van out (a huge white pine was leaning ominously over it and we were afraid it was about to be flattened). When we returned to the house, my lovely wife gave me a reward...a fresh case of Highland Cold Mountain. How fitting.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Bill, thanks for the nice pics. We live about an hour west of you, and got slightly less snow, but enough for us to cancel travel plans this weekend. I spent a good part of the morning playing in the yard with the kids. We never lost power, but it flickered on and off a good bit yesterday. Internet and satellite reception have been spotty. I'm just glad we didn't get any more today, as they were originally forcasting.

A few scenes from our yard...








I didn't don the kilt to play with my kids in the snow, but I did get lots of use from my Empire Canvas Works storm cape yesterday.

[NewGuise]

Wow. Asheville suddenly looks a little like Edmonton. My sister, who used to live down the road in Hickory, but who is now here, will want to see those pics!

[Sir William]

I'm in northern Virginia and just measured about 5.30pm. We've got about 17" and its still snowing good, and has been all day. We haven't had this much snow since about 1993. Nothing is moving outside - and I'm enjoying the day.

[Nighthawk]

Hey! That looks like the average monthly snowfall here in Denver! I love when my deck looks like that. Send some my way, would you? (Never mind- I just checked oue forecast and it seems you will be- looks like Denver might be in for a white Christmas! "The closest thing to heaven on this planet anywhere is a quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado snow."- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)

[NewEnglander]

We're still waiting for the snow to start to fly up here in New England. They claim we'll get more than a foot even here on the coast, but we shall see.
Good luck with the winter weather down South. That case of ale looks like it'll help quite a bit. I picked up a bomber of Nor'Easter strong ale from Captain Lawrence last night in preparation for our eventual storm.

[MrLion]

Sounds like our Christmas week LAST year. Had a week of ice, then snow before Christmas day, were out of power for 4 days, used the generator for the freezer and well-pump, kept the fridge things on the back porch, lots of broken limbs/trees.
I feel for you. THIS year, the forecast is for light rain and 40's here, phew.

[JolyStNicholas]

I would take every inch you could send me way! It was cool here this morning, but NO SNOW! I hope everyone is well and gets thru this in the best fashion they can safely!

[svc40bt]

I measured about 18" on my deck a few minutes ago. Still snowing here in Frederick County, MD.

[DryFly]

Measured 20" in the back yard about 2 hours ago and its still coming down.

(Just south of Manassas)

Had to dig a trail for the dog since he's only 16" at the shoulder.