Surviving the February Blizzard

A massive snowstorm along the United States east coast began on Friday, February 5, 2010. The huge and extremely dangerous snowstorm affected several Mid-Atlantic states including North Carolina, Delaware, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. The heavy snow continued into Saturday, February 6, 2010 and brought with it winds between 35 and 60 mph. By the morning at 10 am, we had 20". The National Weather Service issued a full 24-hour blizzard warning until 10:00 p.m. Saturday night. The epic snowstorm dropped almost 40" of snow on Clayton Delaware. Just a week prior to it, we had a snow storm that only accumulated 10".

Most of us couldn't get out our front doors. We had to push and dig out nose by nose using broom handles and small homemade shovelling devices. I had to break my storm window screen out and shovel out the bottom of the door with my trashcan lid. I left my actual snow shovel on my front step thinking I was going to at least get out and shovel my walk. It was quite a scene. Our circle of eight trailer owners all helped one another for several hours. As the day progressed we had cleared our walkways that we lined with snow mounds up to our hips.

There were electricity outages across the state and reports of a two WalMart's and a firehouse roof (s) that collapsed. Luckily, our homes on wheels looked like old freezers but we had electricity. You remember, the freezers that you'd have to use an ice pick or leave it open to defrost? In town, many people had to climb on their roofs, digging the snow away from their chimneys or heating ventilation. My trailer became a refuge for rabbits and ferrel cats as I heard them crying and digging under my skirting.

As I look out the window this afternoon at work, there are still patches of snow that line the highways, streets, and lawns. We are happy to hear that temperatures are going to rise into the 50s this weekend! According to the Tri-state area we've had a record 70" total snow fall 2010. Usually, Delaware gets about 6" a year. For over a month we've been adjusting to maneouvering, dressing, planning, driving and just living with snow each and every day. I truly have enjoyed the beauty and texture it brings to the flat state. It has been an adventure and another winter memory I shall never forget!