Added some information on a Winter Fun event at Ridgeview Valley this weekend.  Cross your fingers we still have snow.  (tee hee)

10:00 a.m.

We're pumping out our chest and flexing some muscle  -- just a two-hour delay for Garrett County schools today.  Perhaps the only school in the tri-state area open today.   A tribute to our magnificent road crews!

This picture has been circulating on Facebook.  Unbelievable! Update: Looks this wasn't a local picture --  still cool, though.

A winter storm watch is in effect tomorrow morning through Wed. afternoon.  We could get another 6+ inches.  Really don't know where we'll put it.

We need to pray for a slooooow melt for the whole Mid-Atlantic or we're all gonna need a boat!

If you ask ten different people, you'll get ten different answers for our total storm snowfall.  Wisp and I agree at 36, so that's what I'm going with.  The sun came out and it finally stopped snowing yesterday afternoon. 

Beautiful blue skies this morning, but now is just REALLY cold.  And we have more snow on the way Tuesday!  Could we catch a break, please?

Absolutely surreal out there!  Twenty-six inches of new snow and it is still falling with another 5-9 inches possible. 

Wisp is opening lifts and trails as they can throughout the day -- for the people who can actually GET there!

Well over six inches of snow and it is coming stronger than ever!  Roads  and parking lots are very slick -- there is a layer of ice under all that snow.  Be careful out there!

9:15 a.m.

Ahh... The calm before the storm.  A light snow has just started to fall, but the brunt of the storm will arrive tonight.  Local schools have been cancelled in anticipation and the entire mid-Atlantic just waits.

There was a DNR officer out on the lake yesterday checking snowmobiles for their trail permits.  (and probably checking fisherman for licenses, as well).  In case you don't know, you must have a permit to ride on the lake or any designated park trail.  They are available at the state park offices during normal business hours.  I think they are around $15.

Here's information on another local effort to help Haiti. 

Content Update:  Movie schedule updated through 2/11.  (note: thanks to a suggestion from the Spurrier family, we are now indicating the Tuesday Movie of the Week on the schedule)

9:45 a.m.

The sun is out today, but we continue to keep an eye on the impending weekend storm.  The action is expected to begin early afternoon tomorrow, so if you are headed this way for the weekend you may want to consider that in your travel plans.

As with any storm, the preceding buzz escalates as the storm approaches.  I've heard people say 3-4 feet downstate, but I've seen nothing of that magnitude from any weather sites. Remember, Facebook is NOT a reliable weather source.  :-)  12-18" according to Accuweather:

There's a set of 3 or 4 snowmobile tracks under the bridge this morning.  The tracks continue on the other side, so I guess they made it.

Another attempt is underway to stop the wind farm projects in Western Maryland. 

Three inches of new snow this morning, but the big story is the possibility for a storm this weekend.  Rumors are flying with suggestions of 18-20 inches. 

Just got word of a great way to raise money for Haiti!  Garrett College will be holding an art sale on Valentine's Day and proceeds will go to the Hope for Haiti Now fund.  Here is a flyer and a press release. 

In the spirit of the dog picture on the front page, Jack Brady sent along a picture of his lab puppy, Oakley, in the snow.  Had to share.  Just too cute.

Content Update:  Classified added under Homes for Sale

9:30 a.m.

It's Groundhog Day!  Shadow?  Affirmative!  So, that's six more weeks of winter.  Was there ever really a doubt? 

Snow is set to arrive later this afternoon with a chance for 2-4 inches of accumulation before moving out overnight.  We need just one inch to take us into triple digits for the season.