The weather at Pine Mountain Lake has been dynamic lately. Just in the past few days, we’ve had thunder, lightning, rain, hail, sleet and now snow. When I went into town this morning, it was raining. However, over the next 1.5 hours, it snowed several inches even though previous forecasts had a low probability of any precipitation and temperature well above freezing. I was a bit concerned about getting back to the house since I have a Honda Civic with standard tires and the streets had not been plowed but I made it back OK.

When I went back, I saw something surprising out the window of our house. A Volvo had crashed into the 25 mph speed limit sign, hit at least one tree and went down our bank. My first thought was for the driver and any passengers. They, thankfully, are both fine.

They mentioned that they are staying at Pine Mountain Lake as visitors and went out to get some dry firewood before any significant snow fell. Unfortunately, the Volvo with sport tires could not handle the road. They slipped off the road even going below the speed limit.

I was reminded today that its Friday the 13th. A Washington Post article reported a study by a German Motorist Club that reported car accidents increase by 60% on Friday the 13th. I do not attach any significance to this. Just be prepared for any kind of weather when climbing in altitude (even 3000 feet) and remember the basics for driving in snow.

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