Virginia Blizzard Latest: Closings/Delays Abound Monday, Metro on Limited Schedule, Track Snow Plows

Few area residents will be back to business as usual Monday morning, with more than two feet of snow during the blizzard keeping the region in an emergency mode.

Those who do hit their regular commuting route will find irregular conditions: roads still snow covered, public transportation operating on limited scheduled, many area offices and businesses closed and those that are open running on limited staff.

In less than 36 hours, some parts of the region saw 30 inches or more, with drifting snow building mounds 5 feet tall. Latest snowfall totals.

Schools across the region are closed Monday — many have already announced plans to remain closed on Tuesday.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe closed state offices on Monday to give crews more time to clear secondary roads. Track snow plows.

Virginia State Police reported more than 2,000 motorists needed assistance with disabled vehicles during the storm. Live traffic updates.

Metro will operate on a limited schedule on Monday, opening at 7 a.m. with limited underground rail service on the Red, Orange and Green lines. Metrobus hours and routes will also be limited. Metro details.

Stories From the Storm

A U.S. Capitol officer died of an apparent heart attack after shoveling snow for a neighbor. His wife called 911, but an ambulance had trouble getting to the home and had to be towed out of snow.

A roof collapse at a Manassas apartment complex early Sunday displaced 67 residents. There was only one minor injury: a firefighter had a cut on his face. Roof collapse tips.

A 911 dispatcher in Stafford helped a new dad deliver his son during the storm Saturday. The couple had a midwife who was expected to help, but she couldn’t make the trip in the snow.

There was an important reminder on the dangers of iced over lakes Friday night. A dog is recovering after falling through the ice into Woodglen Lake late Friday, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.

WATCH: Giant Panda Romps in Snow at National Zoo

Blizzard conditions will keep most people inside Saturday, but there will be fun to be had once the snow has stopped. It’s OK to sled on Capitol Hill. Del Ray will be hosting a snowball fight Sunday.

Tips

Power Outages: Power companies are warning residents to prepare for outages as the snow and high winds move into the area. An emergency preparedness kit should include flashlights, water, medicines, portable radios, extra batteries and non-perishable goods. >>>Dominion Power info, NOVEC Power info

Parents: Create some snow day traditions, says Dr. Michael Oberschneider. ”Making a snow man, snow angels, building a snow fort, making snow ice cream (there are plenty of recipes on-line), sledding, a snowball fight, etc. Simply bundle up your kids, open the door and let them play until their hearts are content.” >>> Snowmageddon II: Seven Survival Tips for Parents

Pictures: Snowy scenery can look great when you’re there, and very bland in the photos that you take, writes Geoff Lawrence. “There is usually too much ‘blank space’ in the photo, big white areas that go on forever. You need to look around for something that breaks up the snow, trees, rocks, or anything that puts a bit of contrast into the picture.”>>> 7 Snow Photo Tips