Inclement Weather

[Joneslab]

Re: school being out.

It's always funny when people say "You're just going to have to make those days up in the spring!"

Like kids really care about this. No kid--or teacher that I know of--has been scared of staying in school for a long time. Never in the history of the world has somebody sat up in bed, looked at the snow outside, and thought, "Crap, we're going to be in school in June!"

Ain't nobody who doesn't love a snow day. I love snow days so much I like when other people have them, like today. I used to literally lie in bed and hold my breath waiting for my dad to call in to me to say school was canceled. Where I grew up it's common to go weeks at a time without going to school because of the dreaded "back roads." They had a situation last year where I think they missed almost three weeks straight.

[jpay]

That plus the fact that my area has seen so little really deep snow over the past two or three decades that a lot of the younger people don't know how to drive in it.

Very true Matt, nothing to compare with the winter of 77 or 92/93...

[DA#23]

From Prestonsburg KY to Ripley WV in 4 hours today, I saw about 10 wrecked vehicles including two semi's which were lying on their sides. I think I averaged about 40mph on I-64, and was passed by most everybody as they didn't seem concerned by the slippery conditions. I-64W was closed as I neared Charleston and luckily I got through the area without delay. This drive typically takes me 2.5 hours.

Give me an honest 4-6" of snow any day of the week versus today's conditions, where even the state police passed me going at least 60mph. I understand the sentiment above that driving too slowly is dangerous as well, but imo conditions like today can make it apparent that some tires simply grip better than others when the temps dip and the wind chill is low. I know I slid quite a bit when my pickup downshifted to from 4th to 3rd going down a hill and thankfully the tractions nannies didn't try to help me out.

Have any of you ever purchased dedicated winter tires like Blizzaks? Is there that much difference in the compound versus regular all-season tires? I have Cooper Discoverer AT3's on a Chevy 2500hd, and they're pretty darn good except for days like today. I went to work last year in the 1.5 foot snow storm without issue, so they're fine when there is some snow on the ground...or a decent amount of snow on the ground as well. Unfortunately I have been reading some reviews where other people say they stink in days like today, and I wonder if maybe the other vehicles passing me simply were able to do it half-way safely. I know there were instances where they were just driving way too fast, but in some stretches the road looked decent...I just didn't want to chance it.

[surveyor]

Matt, those people driving those speeds don't seem to realize that, while they may be able to hold line of travel at that speed, all bets are off if they have to suddenly apply the brakes, change lanes, etc.
The biggest offenders I've seen in that regard are noobs in 4WD trucks, Jeeps, H2 Hummers, etc, that believe all wheel traction = the ability to stop on short notice. In the past, I've seen a few of these type vehicles lose it into the median or off the shoulder when crossing an overpass which might have ice under the slush, or appear wet when it's frozen versus the regular travel lane.

I can't speak directly to the Blizzaks, but know of a few people who lived in longer winter climates and had dedicated snow tires that thought highly of them.

I'm on my third set of Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S on our AWD Volvo XC90, and I really like those for what we encounter around here. Even in some of the deep stuff last year they performed well.

[jpay]

Will be breaking out the little woman's ancient cr-v tomorrow.. Great little vehicle! Full time FWD below 25 mph...
As long as you drive like you have a brain it will go anywhere!!!

[Blue Heaven]

My Firestone Destination AT's perform superbly on my little GMC Jimmy. That truck will drive through anything. It's an absolute beast in four wheel drive. I'll never forget leaving my annual January campout after very muddy conditions. Had to go up a nice hill to get out and it was all rutted up from all the four wheelers that weekend. There was a line of people on either side of the drive path pushing folks trucks to keep them going and not slide into campers, tents and whatnot. Guys in these fancy big new/older trucks and they needed all the help they could get. Nobody had to lay a hand on my truck. I'm gonna miss her when I get rid of her in a few weeks. Time for something newer and nicer.

[Uncle Dave]

Looks like round two starts this evening with at least 5 more inches heading to Louisville. I'll be replenishing my wine inventory immediately after work today.

[KevinHall]

DC area had about an inch of snow last night and it destroyed traffic in this area. Some people were stuck in their cars a good portion of the night. It will probably be a disaster here this weekend with over two feet of snow predicted. This past fall I got my first four wheel drive vehicle, a 2012 Toyota Highlander. I have never driven a 4WD so any pointers from anyone would be appreciated. I am going to get out the manual tonight and look it over. I don't expect to have to get out after tomorrow but you never know what may happen and I have to.

[TrueblueCATfan]

Round 2 about to hit ....expecting 6 to 8 inches in Louisville.....the ice can stay south

[surveyor]

Looks like round two starts this evening with at least 5 more inches heading to Louisville. I'll be replenishing my wine inventory immediately after work today.

Yup! Usually keep 6-7 bottles of bourbon, 2-3 bottles of scotch, a bottle of tequila and vodka on hand in general, but winter time they've got to be full bottles. Just for such emergencies.

[surveyor]

Saw on the news yesterday morning that round two is going to come in.............................

[Lighthouse]

DC area had about an inch of snow last night and it destroyed traffic in this area. Some people were stuck in their cars a good portion of the night. It will probably be a disaster here this weekend with over two feet of snow predicted. This past fall I got my first four wheel drive vehicle, a 2012 Toyota Highlander. I have never driven a 4WD so any pointers from anyone would be appreciated. I am going to get out the manual tonight and look it over. I don't expect to have to get out after tomorrow but you never know what may happen and I have to.

Just drive like you do with 2WD. Slick is slick, but 4WD will keep you more stable as long as you stay off the pedal. Only use the accelerator if you get stuck in deep stuff. 4WD trucks are usually higher off the road which will help a lot. Good Luck and stay safe. If you have anti-lock brakes, use them and don't pump if you start to slide.

[KevinHall]

Just drive like you do with 2WD. Slick is slick, but 4WD will keep you more stable as long as you stay off the pedal. Only use the accelerator if you get stuck in deep stuff. 4WD trucks are usually higher off the road which will help a lot. Good Luck and stay safe. If you have anti-lock brakes, use them and don't pump if you start to slide.

Thanks. I hope I don't have to get out in it but you never know.

Its already crazy up here. My wife went out yesterday afternoon to get stocked up on supplies and she said it was a madhouse at Giant and Target. I would say every store will be packed this evening. She just needs to get a few things for our cat and we should be set for this blizzard. I wouldn't think the Petsmart will be too terribly crowded.

[CATHYnKY]

Have plenty of groceries and other necessities. Will go in Meijers because of a trip to the pharmacy. Might buy a couple of things. Depends on how crazy it is. Didn't get out yesterday. Am taking my grandson to lunch today. Most likely will grab a bite out tonight since tomorrow looks to be a "stay at home on a Friday nite", night. Will be interesting to see if the forecast changes for Lsvl. Early this morning said it changed in the night and most likely will change. Just keep the freezing rain away. Hope our southern counties dodge the ice. No dealing with that stuff at all

[DA#23]

If you have anti-lock brakes, use them and don't pump if you start to slide.

As opposed to...pulling that fuse? I didn't know there were vehicles with an ABS On or Off switch, ha.

(FWIW, I'm pulling LH's leg. To be fair, on the ole '98 Chevy, I did pull the abs fuse on many occasions as it stunk and would help make your situation worse.)