Blizzard conditions are defined by snowfall rates but more by sustained winds over 35 MPH.
They specifically defined *blizzard* after the Blizzard of 77 that hit Buffalo. Every time they said blizzard, people panicked and stayed home. It was so disruptive, that they set the criteria for what a blizzard was and don’t use the term unless it’s expected to reach that.
If I were told blizzard conditions were expected, I WOULD make sure we had the essentials and would go out and stock up and hunker down.
I would do the same :)
Here in MD, school systems have announced closing for the rest of the week.
City of Baltimore is in Phase 3 Emergency, which means only official vehicles are allowed to drive on city streets.
The state has gotten stingy with the road salt. My street got plowed, but no salt. Northern VA is also in tight supply. Nine shiploads of salt have been ordered, the first of which has already arrived at Baltimore’s port.
Gas stations here and there are running dry. They can’t get tankers in.
I’m a lifetime resident, and can’t recall ever, this widespread a scale of problems from snow.
As would most people... thereby causing a rush on the stores and a shortage of goods. Might I suggest storing essentials BEFORE the weather bureau creates a panic. Even a two week supply costs little and requires a minimum of storage space. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark! (And yes, before folks check my "about" page, I am a Mormon.)