Are there any rescue plans for those stranded in their cars in the cold? Can anyone get to them? This is terrible.

In AL, they have buses following sand trucks. And the Nat'l Guard is out.

There are people who have been in their cars for 20+ hours now. My next-door neighbor’s niece was in her car 11 hours (and her cell died at about hour five) and her nephew slept at his middle school.

This one baffles me. Over the weekend, the meteorologists thought the snow would be south of here, but by Monday afternoon, the NWS had issued a winter storm warning for metro Atlanta, and Monday night the TV weather people were saying 1-3" starting about noon. I know because I had one errand I had to run and I left myself a large note reminding me to do it first thing. Despite that, schools and businesses opened as usual, and then between noon and 1:30, they looked out, said "OMG, it’s snowing," and closed. The result was a holiday-weekend-level traffic jam added to snow and then ice. The state and local governments had equipment and de-icing stuff staged, but because of the nearly instant traffic jam, the equipment couldn’t get to the ice.

Officials keep saying that there was no warning. The weather people are trying to stay professional, but it’s clear they’re frustrated. If I were them, I’d be showing clips of Monday night’s weathercast and doing the “I told you so” dance.

The National Guard is out here too, and people have been great about offering shelter and taking food and water to people in their cars.

We're starting to see pictures of people sleeping in Home Depots on lawn chairs and piles of rugs.

I'm remembering that book where the kids get trapped in the department store after it closes? Fun!

And the girl (unofficially) starts selling housewares during the day? At some point the sprinklers go off and they have to mark down a lot of merchandise. I read that though I don't remember the title.

We got 1-2 inches here, and my office is opening two hours late. I work from home on Wednesdays anyway, so aside from getting to tromp around in the white stuff for a bit it doesn't really affect me much. Ok, I used it as an excuse to bake and do the yay-snow dance (very similar to Snoopy dancing).

Well bless. Appaarently I'm too fat to have my surgery at the surgery center - it has to be in a hospital setting. This wasn't an issue for my shoulder and I haven't changed weight from then. Luckily they were able to schedule OR time for tomorrow with only a minor shift (so far) in the timing from what was originally scheduled.

I get it, it is for my safety. But dang - they knew I was a big gal before they scheduled it originally.

My rule of thumb is that if you see Jim Cantore, the meteorologist from the Weather Channel, anywhere within 300 miles of you, you're in trouble and should act accordingly.

I'm glad to hear that so many have weathered the storm successfully and/or resourcefully.

Man, me heart goes out to all dealing with this weather and the mess it has caused. Gold Stars for all the individuals, business, and organizations opening their doors to strangers.

Suzi - nothing but good thoughts for you the next few weeks. Wish I could come out and be a help.

I got an extra espresso shot this morning! BOUNCE!! I also slept really well, don't even remember one dream, that is like a miracle for me.

Work is still annoying though, but maybe with the extra energy I can really plow through the piles.

Man, that is some scary winter weather! I hope everyone out there is home safe by now.

I just wanted to post to a) thank everyone for the help with cat names the other night and b) introduce Sadie (Named for Sadie on the Thrilling Adventure Hour).

Thanks guys!

Thanks msbelle. Between my friend K, B, and CJ I have help through the weekend. Though I'd always welcome you.

Work has been fits and starts today. Since my folks know I'll be out, we have gotten as much done as possible before today so regular work activities are at a minimum. But I've already had two - OMG, I need this today and you are the only person who can do this for me.