More snow for hard-hit Washington, DC
Record snow fall blankets Washington, DC, but can the US capital cope? The federal government has been closed for three days in a row at a cost of $100 million a day as crews struggle to dig DC out from "Snowmageddon."
It's Snowmageddon the sequel as another blizzard hit Washington, D.C. this week.
"The streets were horrible," said Lisa Arrington, a hospital employee on her way to work.
"No taxis, no buses, and now the late train," added Mary Lerchen, waiting for the subway.
For commuters, heading underground to wait for a delayed train is the only way to get to work and beat the pelting ice and freezing wind.
But for days DC hasn't been able to dig out from record-breaking snowfall. And in a city where the president runs the nation from the White House, it turns out a white out can keep the country's business from plowing forward.
District residents aren't surprised the capital can't cope.
"It seems like the city never deals with snow very well," said DC local Joseph Hunsader.
This snow storm has virtually shut down the US capital. Government workers have stayed home all week. Each day the federal government is closed costs taxpayers $100 million.
"Sure of course you'd rather not have that," said Bartlett. "But at the same time do you want to risk people's lives trying to get in and out of work, especially in these conditions?"
But people not on the public payroll, like security guards, hospital staff, and even publicists are making it to work in these conditions.
"It's snowy and windy, but it's doable," said Michael Abrahams, walking to his job in public relations through the blizzard.
They are committed to their jobs.
“That’s how it happens when you work at a hospital," said Arrington. "You realize you have to be there it doesn’t matter what’s going on people are going to show up and the hospital has to be staffed.
And they believe the federal government should operate the same way.
