NorthArlington101

Sucks knowing we just had our best severe wx day of the year in April

Best hail in my 20 years in the DC area.  Pea to marble

Severe warned storm by Berryville should be near DC metro by 3

Down in Cville today in the TOR watch box. Definitely not chasing - but my first tornado watch of the season!

8 hours ago, Interstate said:

One of the best parts of totality was when the sun started to peek back out... it almost looked like there was a tear in the sky.

I am pissed I didnt force the family to go.  However it was nice to drive in peace and quiet though.  They got to see it on Facetime.  lol

was expecting the girlfriend to go -- offered to my mom to take her place and spare me a solo drive. She wasn't down w/ the sleeping arraignments... a single queen lol. that said, she ended up regretting not going. Working towards convincing them for a family (read: less expensive for me) Spain 2026 trip

Forget 2045, I’m hooked now. I need another one of these sooner.
*checks Alaska March climo for 2033*

A couple of downfalls of the trip
 
1.  Waze sucks.  I deleted the app... On the way home it took me through Youngstown
2. Why does PA have one lane closed from Breezewood to the MD line with no roadwork being done on I-70?
3.  Why would MD close two lanes going up South Mountain knowing that traffic would be heavy.
 
With that all being said, I would to it again tomorrow.

lessons for 2045 (writing these for myself)

- cirrus clouds are fake - don’t worry about them.
- probably want to spend the day before and the day after there
- pre-eclipse traffic is fake. Post-eclipse traffic is more real
- can watch from anywhere. Doesn’t matter where… just go
- if you want to film a video to show others, try and avoid crying of awe in the background lol

17 hours of driving in 36 hours later. Worth it - though I wouldn’t do it again if it was tomorrow haha

I cried. That was amazing. Time to hit the road.

More high clouds than I’d like in Mansfield, but I have little doubt the sun will stay visible… knock on wood.

We’re off. Already stunning - forgot how cool even a partial looks.

Same here but the sun is still visible. It’s almost game time, good luck to the Ohio crew here!

I have a thin cloud layer moving. 

Satellite looks fantastic. Tempted to get a half hour further down the road to make coming back easier but would be mad if that somehow screwed me, so holding tight. Now just very antsy, if you can’t tell lol.

HOLD!!

Time to window shop in Walmart for a bit before car rooftop camping. I’m sure the traffic will suck after totality but it’s nice to see the highway is running smoothly right now. Crossing my fingers that a lot of good options in Ohio means it’ll be OK.

Yes. It broke quick. I am hoping for you. I just hope it stays 

Lingering clouds - but hoping the blue skies are filtering in! No panic button pressing is allowed til 1pm.

Currently under the last little bit of clouds in my part of Ohio - but as others have pointed out, satellite looks pretty good downstream. Cautious optimism is slowing blooming into genuine optimism.

It's really not looking good for DC and west it seems. That's a lot of low level junk streaming out of West Virginia.

Cloudy here in Ohio. Hopefully we can get them out of here before 320

I keep checking the forecast and pivot so fast between optimistic and very nervous for my spot. Would really rather not drive any further west if I can avoid it tomorrow morning - trying to get back to DC by no later than midnight.

Also debating whether or not I care about having a cool place to view the eclipse from. Tempted by the Walmart next to the highway that will provide unlimited (but not free!) snacks and facilities - plus a crazy quick exit in the aftermath.

Made it to Mansfield. Near the hotel is not an idyllic spot, haha. Great view of the adult video store. Will do some research and try and find a park to post up in.

Good luck!

Made it to my destination. Litchfield Ohio
 
I had no problems on 76 or 80

Definitely some extra traffic on I-70. Not painful, but on and off slowdowns.