Mid-Atlantic braces for winter’s Round 2

February 09, 2010|ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON - Schools, federal agencies, and many businesses were closed yesterday and hundreds of roads were still impassible after the weekend blizzard in the nation’s capital, and weary and wary residents braced for the next onslaught: Forecasters say up to 20 inches of snow are supposed to start falling late tonight.

The Mid-Atlantic region was already trying to dig out from as much as 3 feet of snow that made travel nearly impossible. Federal agencies that employ 230,000 in Washington were closed, as were many local governments, businesses, and school districts. Utilities warned it could be days before power is restored to tens of thousands of customers.

With snow forecast through tomorrow, stranded travelers wondered when they might escape the icy, gray mess.

Just getting to the airport could be a challenge. Chris Vaughn of Washington managed to re-book a flight to Park City, Utah, that had been canceled Friday, but his shuttle driver called yesterday to say the company was canceling all pickups. One cab company wanted $100 to take him for a ride that would usually cost less than $20.

“I’m done with city, urban snow life,’’ Vaughan said, walking through Reagan National Airport with ski boots over his shoulder.

Delays and cancellations also remained a problem at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and Dulles International Airport.

The next storm is expected to hit Philadelphia and New York City, too, before dumping 10 to 15 inches on parts of Massachusetts.