This is a tremendously difficult storm to shovel. Last month, the snow was powdery and it was all snow.

This time, it started out as a heavy, wet snow that accumulated on trees, bushes, and powerlines. Here in central VA, it switched over to a period of heavy sleet last evening, before switching back to a drier, powdery snow overnight that accumulated rapidly as temperatures dropped. The result is when you're shovelling, the top layer is easy but the bottom 2-3" (approx 5-6cm) is frozen solid and difficult to chip away at. This will break your back, and give those in less-than-great shape a good workout.

A tree fell on street leading to our driveway but the community plow took a handsaw and cut it away so the road is passable. Pretty much everyone's bushes are warped out of shape now.