Thus far at 10:50am, a big storm has dropped roughly 10" on my area since about 3am. It's heavy and wet, and the lights keep flickering. Roads are terrible, with multiples cars having slid off the road by me. Power outages farther north.
Stay safe, my easterly friends. Hope everyone is okay.
We're well south of your location and things are better here. We have a couple of inches, but the roads couldn't be pretreated due to rain before the snow started, so the roads are still a concern.
Glad things are relatively okay there. Wind has picked up a bit, and it's still coming down. Would guess close to 12" now. I haven't seen a snow plow go through, though a local landscaping truck has done some work.
Thankfully the power hasn't done anything worse than flicker. Really making me think of a generator in the future.
I95 has been shut down from exits 104 to 152. For anybody unaware, Virginia exits on interstates are approximate mile markers, so that's just shy of 50 miles of the major interstate up and down the east coast shut down. While the official notice of the closure came this morning, portions of that stretch have been shut down since yesterday afternoon with many motorists stranded for over 24 hours. VDOT has been actively trying to get stranded motorists to exists to get off of the interstate.
This continues to be a serious issue. If you plan on traveling 95 through Virginia, I suggest you do not.
That is a heck of a snow storm. Note a senator got stuck..(shame they all could not get and stay stuck in the snow).
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/virginia-senator-hundreds-trapped-overnight-snowstorm-traffic-jam/story?id=82067117
BTW my other office in Gillette, WY (I am not there this week thank God!) is expecting -35 f wind chill.
https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/gillette/82716/weather-warnings/336563
Got power back about noon. It lasted a whopping 10 full minutes before going out again for another three hours. Just a tease; enough to make us start unhooking extension cords and shut off the generator.
With the full power restore we got internet connectivity back (those cable booster stations you see up on power poles with a green light on them have battery packs supposed to last 24 hours - few actually do) because the signal boosters got energized. One thing this issue taught me is that being a ham if fine and all if you want to contact other hams, but not so great for sending texts to regular folks or browsing websites. Our phones just couldn't get a good signal, so I just purchased a cell signal booster to help with that. With an external antenna and two antennas inside the house, we should get significantly better connectivity next time.
As for snow... This is what noon on the 3rd looked like here:
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FBWYG4EL.jpg&hash=71b41fe6eb43ffed9b5957e122d5fa4958517779) (https://imgur.com/BWYG4EL)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FcUlBnbN.jpg&hash=2e5c71b25010e6c028eea1e89c72a963700bd8a2) (https://imgur.com/cUlBnbN)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FTidAcAC.jpg&hash=15709c67346e32d09975d00d91ac329506108281) (https://imgur.com/TidAcAC)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFU8HsZz.jpg&hash=3b03b5b447a6d3a5aa9e21e7dbe2f57b9b87ec55) (https://imgur.com/FU8HsZz)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3URgvIz.jpg&hash=04109076c5c5ec59a5f2a4ab11cca46ffdde127b) (https://imgur.com/3URgvIz)
Then this was what it looked like a little while ago when I could finally open my garage door:
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsM93Xbi.jpg&hash=34cec9d9054161800b3275c8c5449061b1c58473) (https://imgur.com/sM93Xbi)
(someone had an oopsie!)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAUlkYQZ.jpg&hash=285dde7393d27606d7cd895d34c58abf431ab5ce) (https://imgur.com/AUlkYQZ)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtU607lD.jpg&hash=9f02219e8a6c52985deca5efce2dbd6b1674dfb3) (https://imgur.com/tU607lD)
(I'm thankful my neighbor plowed my driveway but wish he's not buried the truck I'd have used to go anywhere)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FhIP0Uq8.jpg&hash=51e564a94b7e5f8d58b638c8f4a33062ed0894f1) (https://imgur.com/hIP0Uq8)
(okay, no body slumped on the seat or steering wheel)
Quote from: NT2C on January 04, 2022, 03:49:21 PM
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFU8HsZz.jpg&hash=3b03b5b447a6d3a5aa9e21e7dbe2f57b9b87ec55) (https://imgur.com/FU8HsZz)
So...I take it the cats are NOT hanging out on the catio today?
Quote from: CG on January 04, 2022, 04:15:07 PM
Quote from: NT2C on January 04, 2022, 03:49:21 PM
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFU8HsZz.jpg&hash=3b03b5b447a6d3a5aa9e21e7dbe2f57b9b87ec55) (https://imgur.com/FU8HsZz)
So...I take it the cats are NOT hanging out on the catio today?
Rupert did actually go out a bit, but once the generator got put out there and fired up they considered it off-limits.
These pictures are of VA? Amazing. No wonder the interstate was closed.
Quote from: Raptor on January 04, 2022, 05:28:25 PM
These pictures are of VA? Amazing. No wonder the interstate was closed.
Yea, Squirrely's in the area where it was shut down and where the power has been out so VDOT didn't have access to their cameras there.
I'm seriously annoyed that they had the National Guard "on standby" and didn't use them to ensure those people stranded had what they needed. Some people ran out of gas in the night, so didn't have heat. I'm surprised there were no serious incidents from that. They should have been deployed with water and gas at least, imo.
They've now cleared the backup and things are moving. They're not moving well and the risk is back up now that it's dark again, but it is moving.
ETA: Let me clarify; the backup is moving. Much of the interstate in that area is still closed in order for VDOT to get the roadway cleared of ice and debris.
Quote from: NT2C on January 04, 2022, 03:49:21 PM
Got power back about noon. It lasted a whopping 10 full minutes before going out again for another three hours. Just a tease; enough to make us start unhooking extension cords and shut off the generator.
With the full power restore we got internet connectivity back (those cable booster stations you see up on power poles with a green light on them have battery packs supposed to last 24 hours - few actually do) because the signal boosters got energized. One thing this issue taught me is that being a ham if fine and all if you want to contact other hams, but not so great for sending texts to regular folks or browsing websites. Our phones just couldn't get a good signal, so I just purchased a cell signal booster to help with that. With an external antenna and two antennas inside the house, we should get significantly better connectivity next time.
As for snow... This is what noon on the 3rd looked like here:
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FBWYG4EL.jpg&hash=71b41fe6eb43ffed9b5957e122d5fa4958517779) (https://imgur.com/BWYG4EL)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FcUlBnbN.jpg&hash=2e5c71b25010e6c028eea1e89c72a963700bd8a2) (https://imgur.com/cUlBnbN)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FTidAcAC.jpg&hash=15709c67346e32d09975d00d91ac329506108281) (https://imgur.com/TidAcAC)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFU8HsZz.jpg&hash=3b03b5b447a6d3a5aa9e21e7dbe2f57b9b87ec55) (https://imgur.com/FU8HsZz)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F3URgvIz.jpg&hash=04109076c5c5ec59a5f2a4ab11cca46ffdde127b) (https://imgur.com/3URgvIz)
Then this was what it looked like a little while ago when I could finally open my garage door:
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FsM93Xbi.jpg&hash=34cec9d9054161800b3275c8c5449061b1c58473) (https://imgur.com/sM93Xbi)
(someone had an oopsie!)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FAUlkYQZ.jpg&hash=285dde7393d27606d7cd895d34c58abf431ab5ce) (https://imgur.com/AUlkYQZ)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FtU607lD.jpg&hash=9f02219e8a6c52985deca5efce2dbd6b1674dfb3) (https://imgur.com/tU607lD)
(I'm thankful my neighbor plowed my driveway but wish he's not buried the truck I'd have used to go anywhere)
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FhIP0Uq8.jpg&hash=51e564a94b7e5f8d58b638c8f4a33062ed0894f1) (https://imgur.com/hIP0Uq8)
(okay, no body slumped on the seat or steering wheel)
Wow, thats a lot of snow. :eek1: But wasn't that car there since your New Years eve Bash ?
Incredible weather event. Even here in Maine, that would be considered a major storm. I was just talking to someone about it and he reminded me I really should have a warm coat and a few other survival items in my car at all times. I laughed. And then told him I'd be the guy tramping through the snow tapping on car windows and asking fellow motorists if they needed anything.
Amazing pictures, NT2C. Glad you had a gennie.
Quote from: flybynight on January 04, 2022, 07:14:45 PM
Quote from: NT2C on January 04, 2022, 03:49:21 PM
As for snow... This is what noon on the 3rd looked like here:
(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FcUlBnbN.jpg&hash=2e5c71b25010e6c028eea1e89c72a963700bd8a2) (https://imgur.com/cUlBnbN)
Wow, thats a lot of snow. :eek1: But wasn't that car there since your New Years eve Bash ?
You really don't get quite how deep it is in this one... until I point out there's a brick wall around the base of that flagpole that's three bricks high, and there's a line of 12" high solar lights alongside my walkway that parallels the front of the house. Can't see even a hint of either of them except for maybe the very tops of two lights halfway down the path where there's a little notch in the shape of the building that catches the wind.
Quote from: flybynight on January 04, 2022, 07:14:45 PMBut wasn't that car there since your New Years eve Bash ?
Should I yell at 'em now to get off my lawn?
Well, if it stays there another 28 days it's mine. Virginia has this nice little law that if you abandon your vehicle on someone else's land you can claim it for yourself after (I think) 30 days. I own that ditch, right to the edge of the pavement and they've not contacted us at all yet.
I keep seeing people on social media trying to place blame for the I95 shutdown, but, honestly, this was a really anomalous kind of storm for Virginia. We go some years with no snow at all and, when we do get snow, it can range anywhere from light powder to wet and heavy, but the really wet heavy stuff is not all that frequent and rarely in these quantities.
In addition, I95 runs from Florida all the way to Maine, so you have plenty of travelers coming through who haven't the slightest bit of experience with winter weather trying to navigate the worst winter storm we've seen in a long time.
And much of the interstate couldn't even be pretreated because it rained right up until the snow started falling.
That's pretty much perfect conditions for disaster. Nobody can control that.
Although, I am still of the opinion that the National Guard should have been deployed that first night to ensure everybody had water and enough gas to stay warm at the very least.
A good story about being stuck on the closed interstate.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/welder-stuck-on-i-95-food-water-strangers
Some advice in the article; never leave home without boots fully laced.
QuoteThe next morning, Aziz and Hildenbrand used the generator on their welding truck to brew three pots of coffee. Aziz, who told the Post he never leaves home "without my boots laced up" — meaning he always leaves home prepared — had packed Cliff bars, party mix, 32 water bottles, and his mother-in-law's mother's pecan pistachio bread. They shared the coffee, water, and food with other stranded drivers, walking from car to car and knocking on windows to provide a helping hand.
"We're a bit rough around the edges. We're welders. We don't look like the type of people to necessarily be asking to help you out," Hildenbrand told the Post. "Some people didn't roll their windows down, but others saw through that."
One man had several cans of Pepsi in his car. He cut the tops off to create makeshift mugs, filled them with the welders' coffee, and began handing them out to other travelers.
"Before you know it, there were six to eight of us standing around the work truck," Aziz said. "All of us basically admitting that it was this — right here — that had lifted our spirits in just a really" bad situation, he said, using an expletive.
One thing to remember you are almost always better off taking matters into your own hands like these 2 folks did than waiting around for TPTB to 'fix" things.
QuoteSo with great effort, the two men managed to shove those trees far enough apart that their sturdy four-wheel-drive truck could pass through. They drove over at least a foot of snow and ice to escape on exit 140, leaving a path that was too difficult for most drivers to follow.
As they took the exit, Aziz told the Post he saw a man sitting in a Virginia Department of Transportation truck.
"He was just sitting there in his car all warm and cozy, didn't look like he had a care or concern about all the miles of traffic he was looking at," Aziz said.
"In my opinion, VDOT should have loaded that truck with food and water and that man should have driven along handing out food and water to people that needed it," Hildenbrand said. "It shouldn't have been a couple of welders from New York. The state of Virginia should have pulled its pants up, got out there and done more for the people of Virginia."
Quote from: NT2C on January 04, 2022, 10:05:19 PM
Quote from: flybynight on January 04, 2022, 07:14:45 PMBut wasn't that car there since your New Years eve Bash ?
Should I yell at 'em now to get off my lawn?
Well, if it stays there another 28 days it's mine. Virginia has this nice little law that if you abandon your vehicle on someone else's land you can claim it for yourself after (I think) 30 days. I own that ditch, right to the edge of the pavement and they've not contacted us at all yet.
Get the title and I'll find a way to come and get it! Sucks not having a car here!
:clownshoes:
Quote from: Lambykins on January 05, 2022, 04:30:53 PM
Quote from: NT2C on January 04, 2022, 10:05:19 PM
Quote from: flybynight on January 04, 2022, 07:14:45 PMBut wasn't that car there since your New Years eve Bash ?
Should I yell at 'em now to get off my lawn?
Well, if it stays there another 28 days it's mine. Virginia has this nice little law that if you abandon your vehicle on someone else's land you can claim it for yourself after (I think) 30 days. I own that ditch, right to the edge of the pavement and they've not contacted us at all yet.
Get the title and I'll find a way to come and get it! Sucks not having a car here!
:clownshoes:
They pulled it out and drove it away earlier today. I recorded it on my security cameras just in case of any legal issues later on.
Quote from: Raptor on January 05, 2022, 03:32:04 PM
A good story about being stuck on the closed interstate.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/welder-stuck-on-i-95-food-water-strangers
Some advice in the article; never leave home without boots fully laced.
QuoteThe next morning, Aziz and Hildenbrand used the generator on their welding truck to brew three pots of coffee. Aziz, who told the Post he never leaves home "without my boots laced up" — meaning he always leaves home prepared — had packed Cliff bars, party mix, 32 water bottles, and his mother-in-law's mother's pecan pistachio bread. They shared the coffee, water, and food with other stranded drivers, walking from car to car and knocking on windows to provide a helping hand.
"We're a bit rough around the edges. We're welders. We don't look like the type of people to necessarily be asking to help you out," Hildenbrand told the Post. "Some people didn't roll their windows down, but others saw through that."
One man had several cans of Pepsi in his car. He cut the tops off to create makeshift mugs, filled them with the welders' coffee, and began handing them out to other travelers.
"Before you know it, there were six to eight of us standing around the work truck," Aziz said. "All of us basically admitting that it was this — right here — that had lifted our spirits in just a really" bad situation, he said, using an expletive.
One thing to remember you are almost always better off taking matters into your own hands like these 2 folks did than waiting around for TPTB to 'fix" things.
QuoteSo with great effort, the two men managed to shove those trees far enough apart that their sturdy four-wheel-drive truck could pass through. They drove over at least a foot of snow and ice to escape on exit 140, leaving a path that was too difficult for most drivers to follow.
As they took the exit, Aziz told the Post he saw a man sitting in a Virginia Department of Transportation truck.
"He was just sitting there in his car all warm and cozy, didn't look like he had a care or concern about all the miles of traffic he was looking at," Aziz said.
"In my opinion, VDOT should have loaded that truck with food and water and that man should have driven along handing out food and water to people that needed it," Hildenbrand said. "It shouldn't have been a couple of welders from New York. The state of Virginia should have pulled its pants up, got out there and done more for the people of Virginia."
I know how that may look bad, but there are VDOT people who have to run operations in the field who are not permitted to take action themselves (for good reason) and their truck is their headquarters for the duration. These guys are usually desk jockeys who are only in the field during snow events to ensure continued operations and they have to just sit in designated locations near the road in order to be available to the work crews. It's more efficient than having crews return to a VDOT location repeatedly. Essentially, headquarters comes to them in their area of operations so they can remain in the field. The vast majority of crews actually operating under VDOT are contractors and any contractor just sitting around doesn't last long.
Everybody should be aware that ensuring stranded motorists are cared for is outside of most, if not all, DOT's purview. There are other services for those duties. The DOT's duty is to clear the roadways and get traffic moving.
There are other services that should have been deployed to ensure the well-being of those people. Clearly they were not, so, yea, you should be prepared.
Quote from: Raptor on January 05, 2022, 03:32:04 PM
A good story about being stuck on the closed interstate.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/welder-stuck-on-i-95-food-water-strangers
Some advice in the article; never leave home without boots fully laced.
QuoteThe next morning, Aziz and Hildenbrand used the generator on their welding truck to brew three pots of coffee. Aziz, who told the Post he never leaves home "without my boots laced up" — meaning he always leaves home prepared — had packed Cliff bars, party mix, 32 water bottles, and his mother-in-law's mother's pecan pistachio bread. They shared the coffee, water, and food with other stranded drivers, walking from car to car and knocking on windows to provide a helping hand.
"We're a bit rough around the edges. We're welders. We don't look like the type of people to necessarily be asking to help you out," Hildenbrand told the Post. "Some people didn't roll their windows down, but others saw through that."
One man had several cans of Pepsi in his car. He cut the tops off to create makeshift mugs, filled them with the welders' coffee, and began handing them out to other travelers.
"Before you know it, there were six to eight of us standing around the work truck," Aziz said. "All of us basically admitting that it was this — right here — that had lifted our spirits in just a really" bad situation, he said, using an expletive.
One thing to remember you are almost always better off taking matters into your own hands like these 2 folks did than waiting around for TPTB to 'fix" things.
QuoteSo with great effort, the two men managed to shove those trees far enough apart that their sturdy four-wheel-drive truck could pass through. They drove over at least a foot of snow and ice to escape on exit 140, leaving a path that was too difficult for most drivers to follow.
As they took the exit, Aziz told the Post he saw a man sitting in a Virginia Department of Transportation truck.
"He was just sitting there in his car all warm and cozy, didn't look like he had a care or concern about all the miles of traffic he was looking at," Aziz said.
"In my opinion, VDOT should have loaded that truck with food and water and that man should have driven along handing out food and water to people that needed it," Hildenbrand said. "It shouldn't have been a couple of welders from New York. The state of Virginia should have pulled its pants up, got out there and done more for the people of Virginia."
Anianna's reminder about limitations on VDOT personnel stepping outside their established lanes of responsibility is well taken. But if anything, it reinforces Raptor's central point: in an emergency, especially a widespread emergency, don't expect the authorities to immediately come to your rescue. You may very well find yourself on your own, perhaps for an extended period. More than anything else,
this is why we prepare.
As for Aziz and his rough looking welders: I've said it before and I'll say it again. In times of disaster and human suffering, you have to decide whether you're going to be part of the solution or part of the problem. Look after your own, for sure. But if you have the means, help others where you can.
We still have a lot of people without power throughout the state as well. It's astounding the number of people in the comments on the power company's social media who can't understand why the power company isn't getting their power on faster. Many complaining how they're out of food already. The storm just hit the day before yesterday, for crying out loud!
I had to step back. I wanted to make remarks to all of these people about how they should have taken some responsibility for themselves, but I was getting heated and didn't want to be cruel about it, so I said nothing. Some of them were downright nasty and I wanted to be nasty right back.
Maybe they're poor, but I've been poor, so I know what it's like not to be able to buy a lot of extra food, but a can here or there over time gets you prepared. A gallon of water to safely store under your bed or in a closet is $0.50. Mylar emergency blankets are cheap. A sterno and some matches are all you need to heat water in a pot or teapot for warm beverages or ramen. PopTarts are shelf stable and can be eaten cold. There is no reason that anybody should be out of food after two days with no electricity.
We were dirt-freaking poor when we were in a hurricane and managed to keep our family of six fed for the nearly two weeks our power was out.
That said, what's taking so long is that the power company is clearing hazards to get where they need to go. Why is the National Guard not deployed for that? This is the first disaster of this magnitude in Virginia that I have experienced for which the National Guard has not been deployed. They weren't deployed to clear I95, they weren't deployed to ensure the well-being of stranded motorists, and they have not been deployed to clear hazards for power workers. What the heck is going on here??
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 05, 2022, 06:38:14 PM
Anianna's reminder about limitations on VDOT personnel stepping outside their established lanes of responsibility is well taken. But if anything, it reinforces Raptor's central point: in an emergency, especially a widespread emergency, don't expect the authorities to immediately come to your rescue. You may very well find yourself on your own, perhaps for an extended period. More than anything else, this is why we prepare.
As for Aziz and his rough looking welders: I've said it before and I'll say it again. In times of disaster and human suffering, you have to decide whether you're going to be part of the solution or part of the problem. Look after your own, for sure. But if you have the means, help others where you can.
Exactly and well said.
I was not criticizing the VDOT folks that was a quote from the article.
However I have said many times when the SHTF you are on your own folks; plan and act accordingly.
Quote from: Raptor on January 06, 2022, 05:30:16 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 05, 2022, 06:38:14 PM
Anianna's reminder about limitations on VDOT personnel stepping outside their established lanes of responsibility is well taken. But if anything, it reinforces Raptor's central point: in an emergency, especially a widespread emergency, don't expect the authorities to immediately come to your rescue. You may very well find yourself on your own, perhaps for an extended period. More than anything else, this is why we prepare.
As for Aziz and his rough looking welders: I've said it before and I'll say it again. In times of disaster and human suffering, you have to decide whether you're going to be part of the solution or part of the problem. Look after your own, for sure. But if you have the means, help others where you can.
Exactly and well said.
I was not criticizing the VDOT folks that was a quote from the article.
However I have said many times when the SHTF you are on your own folks; plan and act accordingly.
This, right here.
I actually feel kinda bad for the VDOT dude. In all likelihood he probably wanted to help and do more, but was instructed not to.
'Think of it like a security guard or a Cop that has to wait for an event to hit a certain point before they can legally intervene...
Quote from: SCBrian on January 08, 2022, 07:19:11 AM
Quote from: Raptor on January 06, 2022, 05:30:16 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 05, 2022, 06:38:14 PM
Anianna's reminder about limitations on VDOT personnel stepping outside their established lanes of responsibility is well taken. But if anything, it reinforces Raptor's central point: in an emergency, especially a widespread emergency, don't expect the authorities to immediately come to your rescue. You may very well find yourself on your own, perhaps for an extended period. More than anything else, this is why we prepare.
As for Aziz and his rough looking welders: I've said it before and I'll say it again. In times of disaster and human suffering, you have to decide whether you're going to be part of the solution or part of the problem. Look after your own, for sure. But if you have the means, help others where you can.
Exactly and well said.
I was not criticizing the VDOT folks that was a quote from the article.
However I have said many times when the SHTF you are on your own folks; plan and act accordingly.
This, right here.
I actually feel kinda bad for the VDOT dude. In all likelihood he probably wanted to help and do more, but was instructed not to.
'Think of it like a security guard or a Cop that has to wait for an event to hit a certain point before they can legally intervene...
Yes!! My husband is one of the guys that has to go into the field for snow duty. Imagine if the guy who is supposed to be directing the whole shebang up and disappears from his spot because he went to help some stranded motorists. The entire operation grinds to a halt because the cog at the top is out of place and now the situation becomes dangerous and chaotic from the top down. Each piece of the machinery needs to stay on task.
My husband works a stretch of 64 when it snows and there is a particular spot designated for him to sit on the side of a busy secondary highway just off of a convenient exit. There have been times when motorists pull over to come talk to him, which can be problematic, but he needs to be immediately available for the crews and his designated spot is where it's safe to do that. He is definitely highly visible in his VDOT vehicle for passing motorists to see, though.
Quote from: Raptor on January 05, 2022, 03:32:04 PM
A good story about being stuck on the closed interstate.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/welder-stuck-on-i-95-food-water-strangers
Some advice in the article; never leave home without boots fully laced.
QuoteThe next morning, Aziz and Hildenbrand used the generator on their welding truck to brew three pots of coffee. Aziz, who told the Post he never leaves home "without my boots laced up" — meaning he always leaves home prepared — had packed Cliff bars, party mix, 32 water bottles, and his mother-in-law's mother's pecan pistachio bread. They shared the coffee, water, and food with other stranded drivers, walking from car to car and knocking on windows to provide a helping hand.
Aziz and Hildenbrand seem to be approaching the status of local heroes. Here's a longer version of their story from their local paper:
https://eu.pressconnects.com/story/news/2022/01/07/95-snowstorm-strands-binghamton-ny-man-virginia-national-news-story/9115993002/
Quote from: sheddi on January 10, 2022, 01:59:57 AM
Quote from: Raptor on January 05, 2022, 03:32:04 PM
A good story about being stuck on the closed interstate.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/welder-stuck-on-i-95-food-water-strangers
Some advice in the article; never leave home without boots fully laced.
QuoteThe next morning, Aziz and Hildenbrand used the generator on their welding truck to brew three pots of coffee. Aziz, who told the Post he never leaves home "without my boots laced up" — meaning he always leaves home prepared — had packed Cliff bars, party mix, 32 water bottles, and his mother-in-law's mother's pecan pistachio bread. They shared the coffee, water, and food with other stranded drivers, walking from car to car and knocking on windows to provide a helping hand.
Aziz and Hildenbrand seem to be approaching the status of local heroes. Here's a longer version of their story from their local paper:
https://eu.pressconnects.com/story/news/2022/01/07/95-snowstorm-strands-binghamton-ny-man-virginia-national-news-story/9115993002/
QuoteAt about 8 a.m., finally done with being stranded, they drove about a quarter mile along the side of the road to exit 140. It looked like a way out, but first they were faced with moving two large trees that had fallen over the guardrail and blocked passage.
Like that line. :smiley_clap:
It is easy to sit here in Florida and armchair-quarterback this event, but I lived the first 38 years of my life in Maryland along I-95 and that last 3' snowfall is what drove my wife to inform me that we were moving to Florida. :clownshoes:
From the time I got my first car I started planning what to keep in it for getting stranded in cold weather. While I understand that some people stuck on the Interstate were from warmer climates that don't normally need to worry about such things, the locals had little excuse. But it is a mindset; either prepare for the things that could go wrong or hope that your luck does not run out. Even items as basic as some food, water, and a candle lantern for warmth would go a long way to safety and even comfort. Unsurprisingly, I still keep those things in my truck even though my area has January average highs in the 70's. I still have my Yaktrax too. :D
Just saw this story this morning, 34 yr old died after abandoning his SUV to walk 6 miles home during the storm. A couple news reports with some details:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-34-year-old-father-tried-to-walk-home-in-last-week-s-record-snowstorm-his-body-was-found-three-days-later/ar-AASDTvg
https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/family-of-missing-louisa-father-found-dead-devastated-sheriffs-office-responds/
14% charge on his phone, left his jacket (or maybe it was an extra one?) behind, still had some gas in the SUV's tank, spoke to a couple family members who didn't try to talk him out of his plan (apparently), and taking a cross country shortcut instead of sticking to the roads. Not looking to spark a discussion to speak ill of the deceased but it got me thinking about the psychology of survival and decision making during emergencies. Maybe he was angry with himself about getting stuck, anxious to get home to check on the house or take care of his dogs, or any number of other things that influenced his thinking, but he was making a life/death decision and likely didn't recognize it for what it was - until it was too late.
I'd like to think one of my strengths is logical cool-headed thinking, my Mrs maybe not so much as she tends to rely on feelings and not enough on facts (imo). I bought her a little survival book for her vehicle kit years ago, one of the little 20-page or so pocket ones that used to be common at the checkout lines in grocery stores, because #1 in the authors list of what to do was "Stop. Think.". Need to remind her that unless the truck is on fire the first thing to do is read that book again if she gets stuck, some decision made in haste or influenced by anger or frustration might be your last.
Quote from: Crosscut on January 11, 2022, 10:46:12 AM
Just saw this story this morning, 34 yr old died after abandoning his SUV to walk 6 miles home during the storm. A couple news reports with some details:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/a-34-year-old-father-tried-to-walk-home-in-last-week-s-record-snowstorm-his-body-was-found-three-days-later/ar-AASDTvg
https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/family-of-missing-louisa-father-found-dead-devastated-sheriffs-office-responds/
14% charge on his phone, left his jacket (or maybe it was an extra one?) behind, still had some gas in the SUV's tank, spoke to a couple family members who didn't try to talk him out of his plan (apparently), and taking a cross country shortcut instead of sticking to the roads. Not looking to spark a discussion to speak ill of the deceased but it got me thinking about the psychology of survival and decision making during emergencies. Maybe he was angry with himself about getting stuck, anxious to get home to check on the house or take care of his dogs, or any number of other things that influenced his thinking, but he was making a life/death decision and likely didn't recognize it for what it was - until it was too late.
I'd like to think one of my strengths is logical cool-headed thinking, my Mrs maybe not so much as she tends to rely on feelings and not enough on facts (imo). I bought her a little survival book for her vehicle kit years ago, one of the little 20-page or so pocket ones that used to be common at the checkout lines in grocery stores, because #1 in the authors list of what to do was "Stop. Think.". Need to remind her that unless the truck is on fire the first thing to do is read that book again if she gets stuck, some decision made in haste or influenced by anger or frustration might be your last.
I agree lets not speak ill of the dead but do let us all learn from this incident.
I agree that IMO this is classic case of underestimating the risk. To me this is a case of get-home-itis (https://iflyamerica.org/safety_get_home_itis.asp) which is frequent cause of aircraft crashes.
The first thing that caught my eye was the aforementioned coat left behind and the cross country trek.
I can also see how if I was stuck 6 miles from my farm that I would most likely set off on foot to safety. I could see my self doing this. Now I would stick to the road and hope for a passerby & a ride but yes I could see myself walking through snow to get to safety. I assume no one was coming down the road for a while so he had no opportunity to hitch a ride.
QuoteJacob Whaley was located on Thursday in the woods approximately 209 yards off the roadway in a very dense pine plantation
While I do not live in that area I am very familiar with pine plantations and they are not easy to traverse. The ones in my area generally have enough undergrowth to make you to frequently deviate from your path and it is quite easy to get disoriented even in familiar woods. The uniformity of the trees (they are planted in rows) makes landmark navigation awkward. Couple with with snow and any chance of navigating without a compass is remote.
The other thing about pine plantations is an abundance of fuel (pine needles and pine cones burn unless they are sopping wet) so building a fire is a possibility. Something to keep in mind should you have to deal with this.
It is not bad advice to stay with the car. He could also have used the engine to charge his phone before departing. There is a old sailor's advice "You should never jump into the life boat; wait until you can walk into it". In other words stay with the boat (or car) as long as you can.
If you find your self in this situation it is a tough call to make since everyone has different physical abilities and 6 miles is tantalizingly close. I can easily walk that in about an hour or two +/- (assuming dry pavement and it is not summer time @ 95F) however, cross country through the woods (no trails) though, that is easily 6 + hours in my AO. A definite no go.
I would be most concerned about cold snow in my shoes and would try to find something in my car to water proof my feet like the garbage bags I keep in my car for picking up trash. I also have some duct tape. Wrap my shoes and ankles with the garbage bag and duct tape it in place. That and a blanket as well as any coat I have with me.
Snow in my AO is a remote risk. That said I do carry basic items like a BOB, water and food year round and I add a blanket and coat to the mix in winter.
There are a lot of lessons here for us to draw upon.
I think your book and advice is the best advice in a situation like this. Stop & think! Go though the alternatives and then once an alternative is chosen stop and think though the risks and what you have to mitigate those risks (if anything).
To make matters worse for this particular incident was that he crossed jurisdictions. When the family reported him missing, the locality wouldn't look for him because his car was in a different jurisdiction. The locality where the car was said they couldn't look for him because the direction he walked was to another jurisdiction. It was too late by the time they figured out their nonsense and actually went to look for him. Always try to avoid putting yourself in a place of dependence on others.
There is evidence that he tried to start a fire at one point but had been unsuccessful. I wonder if he had anything on him to start a fire or if there was just too much snow and wind.
The family says he was in a hurry to get home because he had visitation with his son and didn't want to miss it despite there being no electricity at home and despite it not really being safe for his son to be traveling anyway. Some of the reporting is confusing because the family's statements aren't very coherent. One said he tried to go through the woods "when he could have just crossed the road" and I have no idea what they were saying, maybe that he should have walked the road home instead of trying to cut through the woods.
He really did not seem to have thought it through. I absolutely agree that it's important to stop and think first. Such a very sad case.
In my younger days, before my left leg became mostly useless for any sort of hiking, I have walked many miles in heavy snow. It can be done fairly easily if you stick to roads and open terrain and you have the appropriate dress for it. (Though I did once walk home ~5 miles in a blizzard in the Allentown, PA area after all the buses stopped running, while dressed for my manager's job.)
The failures here were in going offroad into the pines and allowing the phone charge to get that low. Every vehicle we own has multiple ways to charge cell phones. Everything from USB ports to full-up AC outlets, and cords & adapters to fit the majority. The cords take little space in the seatback bags we use, and we also have USB power banks we can take with us. A phone is a lifeline, even with no signal. At the very least it's a flashlight and there are apps to make it into a flashing distress beacon.