squeakyjackie - Snowy in Seattle

When we moved here to the Seattle area, we were told that they don't really get any snow.  A light dusting a couple of times during the winter perhaps, but mainly they see rain because of the geographic location.

Right...

We got slammed the other day with more than 6 inches of snow on the ground, covering a layer of ice from the rain that fell earlier in the night before it got cold enough for snow to happen.  This caused many a car to find themselves off the road, into other cars, facing the wrong way, etc.  Some roads looked like scenes out of a movie, with me having to drive through an automotive obstacle course because 20 cars and 3 big rigs and a metro bus couldn't make it up a small hill.  Me, driving our Subaru Outback AWD with 17 inch tires, along with 2 SUVs in front of me, maneouvered through the pile of cars and managed to get through ok.  That was thursday morning, around 6:30am.  Once I got home, I didn't leave the house till friday evening when I needed to stop by the grocery store.  If you're interested, go to www.king5.com and check out the story about the 2 buses that collided coming down a hill and were hanging over the interstate in downtown Seattle. Crazy...

Fast forward to saturday afternoon...  Now, this area which doesn't get snow but has 6 inches on the ground, is bracing for another snow storm tonite.  We have been told by the news people that the storm the other day was a "dress rehearsal" for what is about to come tonite.  We are expecting 5-8 inches, followed by freezing rain, all of which is paired with dangerous winds that can cause tree limbs to come down, along with power outtages. 

I am prepared.  I have been searching for a week for rock salt or ice melt, all of which has been sold out for a long time.  I picked up two 60 pound bags of sand today from Home Depot (i win!).  I am fully stocked with water, bottled drinks, and non-perishable foodstuffs.  I have flashlights, lanterns, candles, and glow sticks on standby on my dining room table, along wtih matches, lighter and extra batteries.  I have a full propane tank on the barbeque outside, as well as a full spare tank.  I have the Coleman stove and the camp grill staged in the garage, along with the propane tree & necessary hoses and attachments.   First aid kit is stocked, gas tank in car is full (did it earlier this week before everyone started freaking out).  I  have cash on hand in case power goes out and money machines are down for a few days.  Extra blankets, wool socks, and sweaters are on standby.

 I am ready- Bring it on!!  :)

I am home alone because Mark is back in St. John's visiting his family for holidays (too expensive for both of us to go). My sister is supposed to be flying in tomorrow night, but that doesn't look promising, due to her having to fly from Newark through Chicago, who are both getting hit with winter weather as well, before she even gets here.  We'll see how things go.  I do have a couple of people I know out here in case things really go to crap, as well as being able to head into work for refuge if needed.  Will keep people posted when there are things to post.

Where ever you are, and whatever you're doing- stay safe and stay warm.  Make sure you're prepared for whatever weather is visiting your area, and have a plan.  Gee, I'm starting to sound like Freya... :)