I live and work in the Southeast, so snow is an infrequent thing. We were among those caught in last week's "Snowmageddon," with my husband having to abandon his car a mile from home and walk the rest of the way, while it took me nearly two hours to pick up my child from school, normally about a 15- to 20-minute task.
What was interesting to me, as someone who grew up without computers or smartphones, was how much I depended on social media (Facebook and Twitter) to learn about what was going on. People were posting a lot of photos and information about conditions and what roads were impassable due to crashes and abandoned cars. I did, too, as I sat and waited to see if enough cars could get out of the way so I could get through. (I grew up further north so I was better able to drive in the stuff, although I was lucky I did not experienced some of the icy patches that can trip up even the most experienced drivers.)
As this new storm has been coming through, we've been retweeting a number of pix and tweets on our Twitter account, @HDTrucking. In case you've ever wondered what value social networking might have, here's a sampling:
"Avoid I-94 at all costs," Jackson County Undersheriff says http://t.co/XHGDpxIv8Jpic.twitter.com/Pff5yzxzLY
— Jackson Cit Pat (@JacksonCitPat) February 5, 2014
We still have dozens of lane/state road closures in MD. See the list at http://t.co/HHQEoy0Xem
— MD State Highway Adm (@MDSHA) February 5, 2014
More than 9" of snow has already built up in parts of Connecticut: http://t.co/mjnkM2htkm
— AccuWeather.com (@breakingweather) February 5, 2014
401 e/b east of hwy 6 north @680newstrafficpic.twitter.com/jiL6r2s3gU
— Edie Strachan (@OPSEUSisters) February 5, 2014
Roads throughout Kansas are completely or partially snowpacked and icy. Travel with caution if you must travel at all. #kswx
— Stan (@StanFinger) February 5, 2014
Traffic is backed up on I-380:SB in #CedarRapids due to accident near exit 13 (HWY 84). pic.twitter.com/4bzjfgC2HK
— KWWL Storm Track 7 (@KWWLStormTrack7) February 5, 2014
Conn. gov. urges people to stay home, tandem truck drivers to stay off highways during storm (2/5/14 8:14 am) http://t.co/QR23mw1inm
— Spirit CDL (@SpiritCDL) February 5, 2014
Kudos to KDOT crews who have done & continue to do great work clearing our roads. Give them room to do their jobs. pic.twitter.com/9G8fQzwi9g
— Sam Brownback (@govsambrownback) February 5, 2014
Just remember, don't do this while you're trying to drive!
