Snow Causes Traffic Problems Across Region (washingtonpost.com):
The weather, in a city that quakes at flakes, also threatened to further complicate the coming and going of traffic in a downtown already locked down for the most secure inauguration — perhaps the most secure anything — in the history of the nation’s capital.
More than 100 square blocks of Washington will be closed for the inauguration, some starting this afternoon.
I drove into DC on Wednesday to catch the Amtrak train to Manhattan. I have always found it easier (and quicker) to take the train directly into Penn Station. I was undeterred by the fact that the inauguration was the following day. That morning when I saw it was snowing, I realized what everyone around me has known forever, I am really not that bright.
Not to bore anyone with the details but here is a quick summation:
Length of trip: 25 miles
Time: 155 minutes
# of times diverted by Security Service: 1
# of times diverted by Police: 3
# of restaurants open in Union Station:1
(who knew they were closing down Union Station)
# of Police, etc at Union Station: a lot
I have lived here my whole life. I went to high school three blocks from the Capitol. I have never seen anything like it. The snow mixed with the overt show of force in the city was almost depressing. Next time, I’m taking the plane.