Parts of southeastern Virginia are projected to get up to 10 inches of snow this week.
That’s a major weather event for the region and history shows most of us will be stuck at home for a few days – and the bread and milk aisles were probably bare well before the first flurry fell.
In addition to officials’ reminders (stay off the roads, be mindful of your time outside and keep an emergency kit handy are just a few of them) WHRO asked staff who have some experience with winter weather the lessons they picked up on how to stay safe and make it through.
Here’s what they said:
Nick McNamara, reporter
Prior to moving to Hampton, I lived in the Flint Hills of Kansas for about seven years, but I grew up in Southern California and I hadn't really driven in any significant ice or snow until I moved to the Midwest.
Something I picked up there is that it's not the time to drive like Connor Hall on a NASCAR track.
Everyone's going to be at a different comfort level in the snow, so give each other some extra space and time in case y'all lose traction.
Most important to me, don't corner quickly. I've had the misfortune of accidentally learning how to drift before, and it doesn't take much if plows haven't been through recently.
Steve Walsh, military and veterans reporter
I grew up in Indiana right outside of Chicago, so I understand snow, but when I moved to San Diego, I realized that no one in San Diego changes their tires until they get an actual flat.
And the thing about all-season radials is they last maybe three or four years before they're not really all season anymore.
So my one tip to you is check your tires.
Jana Lee Ross, host of “Mid-day Classics” and “En Voyage”
I moved here a year ago from Colorado Springs, Colorado, where we know a bit about snow.
No, you don't need to stock up on bread and milk. You need to stock up on coffee and make sure you have food for your pets and make sure you have good footwear.
Having cold feet is one thing. Having cold, wet feet is another. So make sure you have some good, waterproof boots.
Same goes for your outer layer. A good, warm, waterproof jacket goes a long way.
Stay warm, dry and try to enjoy it.
Chuck Doud, Senior Director of Audio and Audience
I had a half-and-half growing up story. Half of it was on the shores of Lake Ontario, the other half was outside of New York City.
The biggest tip that I had for anyone is if you don't have waterproof boots, and you have to go out in the snow and go through all the slush and everything: If you have a couple of plastic bags, like shopping bags or those one gallon zip lock bags, you can put your feet in those and then in your shoes or boots, and now you have waterproof footwear.
It's good in a pinch, and it'll get you through the tough stuff when you need it.
Bert Schmidt, President and CEO of WHRO
As someone that grew up with a lot of snow in Syracuse, New York, where we average 140 inches every year, here are some tips.
First, if you can, stay in. Don't go out in the snow.
If you have to drive, make sure you have the kind of car that can drive through snow because the plowing in the region is usually pretty slow.
Third, if you have to walk in the snow, be very careful. Have your steps be very deliberative and pay attention to what you're stepping on. Slipping on ice can really wreck your day.
Wear layers. That'll help keep you warm in case you happen to get stuck outside.
And most importantly, stay in with family and enjoy the day. Think of it as a snow day off.
Connor Worley, Segment Producer
I am from Missouri (and) my biggest piece of advice would be to stay up to the minute on what's happening. … One time when I was in college, I got on Interstate 70 right as a snowstorm and ice storm hit, so I was stranded on the interstate for 12 hours. That was not fun at all.
My second piece of advice would be to watch out for black ice because while it's easy to drive in compact snow, black ice is a really thin layer and you can start sliding easily if you're driving too fast and trying to brake.
Most importantly, it's a snow day and it's really awesome looking outside and seeing a foot of snow just blanketing the entire landscape, so try to enjoy it and have fun.
