As snowstorm pounds East Coast, take time to relax—it’s only snow

By Allison Moore / allison@theklaxon.com / 02.06.2010

Updated on: 02.06.10 at 12:09 am

For the second time this winter, the Washington, D.C., area is being hit with a massive snowstorm. Obviously winter weather is no joke—a significant snowfall can definitely wreak some havoc. This is especially true in places like the District of Columbia.

D.C. usually sees its fair share of what the meteorologists call “wintry mix” (ice, sleet and some snow), but when the snow starts to accumulate, people begin to lose their grip on reality and the city shuts down.

Maybe it’s because I attended college in Erie, Pa., but I can’t help but watch in bewilderment as the citizens of the D.C. metro area prepare for a storm. Erie is located on Lake Erie. It is a place where winter lasts for a good six months and snow is a normal part of life.

But we’re not in Erie anymore, Toto.

I understand things are different Washington, but it’s hard not to judge when people are buying enough toilet paper and canned goods to sustain themselves for months.

It’s a snowstorm people, not a nuclear holocaust.

Winter weather can cause headaches and safety hazards—especially if you need to travel, but generally these types of storms do little but force us to slow down and spend some time at home. Even so, is that really such a bad thing?

We use up a lot of time planning for the next event, always looking to check the next thing off our list. Maybe a snowstorm provides an opportunity to take a breather. So, watch a movie, play with the kids, drink hot coco, have a snowball fight—take advantage of some down time.

My advice for Snowpocolypse 2010 is simply this: Stay home, stay safe and stay sane. Mother Nature can’t be stopped, so make the most of it.

For more tips on preparing for winter weather, click here. Some winter storms could knock out power, listen to this preparedness podcast before such an incident occurs.