BIO: Tracey Madigan is a journalist from Montreal. She relocated to Washington D.C. in 2006 with her family when her husband was transferred there.

I grew up in Montreal, spent years on the Prairies and am well aware of what a wallop winter can be, but here in Washington, D.C., the recent snow storms are forcing the city not only to slow down but to come to a standstill. More than 115 cm of snow fell on the city over a period of just a few days, and people are unequipped to deal with such a huge blanket at once.


SnOMG they're calling it on Twitter.


(Snow plows only work the major roads. And this is a major road!)

In Canada, we expect lots of snow. After a big storm, we grunt and groan, shovel at midnight, recognize the shrill sound of the approaching snow-clearing crews and know to move our cars if we hear it. We know the sidewalks are safe and that their familiar fresh grooves will lead us to public transit stops if needed.

But here, snow is a spectator sport.



(Once people shoveled out their parking spots, they didn't want anyone to steal their space.)


This D.C. snowfall caught many off guard. Some friends of mine don't own a shovel. Snow-clearing teams simply don't venture onto many side streets because they find it too dangerous.

Behold the effect of the flurries: the snow imposes simplicity on our complicated lives. Government shuts down, schools close, appointments are postponed. People are not expected to do anything except stay home and stay safe. There is no public transit, mail is not delivered. All flights in and out of the city cancelled as airports are closed.


(No buses, no subway service, no taxis.)

Parks with any type of slope are brimming with downward mobile children and chit-chatting parents. Neighbours who rarely have time to speak are leaning on their shovels, discussing their task, marveling at the impressive work of nature.


Downed trees and power lines, roof collapses and blackouts mean that the credo 'life goes on' doesn't apply. People have to make an effort just to preserve their home life. The Emergency Alert System is breaking up regular TV and radio programming. Store shelves are growing bare. Residents are responsible for clearing their own sidewalks, and so most people choose to walk down the middle of the street, which is fine, because there is no traffic since no one is going to work, or school, or to appointments.

No traffic, freshly fallen snow, neighbours helping each other, kids sledding, no work and no school. It's a snow day again. For everyone.

As shown in the photo many ventured to Starbucks, but few walked.