So what the hell is actually open right now? Plenty. The District still loves to eat brunch even in these conditions. Here is a list of places currently open for business. We will update throughout the day:

3:10 p.m. Update:

The Diner: The Adams Morgan restaurant is open. It has no plans on shutting down its 24-hour service.

Angles: The 18th Street NW watering hole plans on opening at 4 p.m. per usual.

2: 50 p.m. Update:

Comet Ping Pong: No answer.

Second Story Books: The Dupont Circle location is open. But will be closing "when it gets dark. Probably about 5-ish," an employee says.

Soho Tea & Coffee: The P Street hangout is open. They plan on closing at around midnight.

Som Records: The 14th Street vinyl shop isn't answering its phone. A bad sign.

Red Onion Records & Books: The 18th Street shop isn't answering its phone. I wouldn't take a chance on going over there.

2:36 Update:

The Raven: The Mount Pleasant bar says they plan to open in one hour!

Commonwealth: The gastropub is open and has no plans to close early. "We are pretty packed right now," an employee tells me.

Yes! Organic Market: The Adams Morgan grocery is closing right now.

Melody Record Shop: The Dupont store is open. They are undecided on whether they will close early. "We have a constant customer traffic coming in," says an employee.

2:16 p.m. update:

The Heights Life says Target and Bed Bath and Beyond in Columbia Heights have closed.

DC Fire/EMS is reporting that Safeway at 40th Street NE is reporting smoke in bakery section, light blast, possibly electrical.

Banana Cafe: The Cap. Hill restaurant and piano bar is open. "Maybe we close early, depends on the weather," says an employee.

Denny's: the Benning Road NE outpost is open and plans to be open all day.

Java House: The 17th and Q Street NW coffee shop is closed.

Open City is open and packed.

Read More "Can You Still Go To Brunch? Yes. Target? No." »

If you haven't quite finished nerding out on George Pelecanos, you have a couple more options in addition to his readings this week. Today Akashic Books (founded by Johnny Temple, frontman of the onetime D.C. band Girls Against Boys) announced a pair of readings attached to D.C. Noir 2, a collection of classic District-set fiction. Pelecanos edited the book, and he'll appear at a pair of readings for it. The first is September 9 at Busboys and Poets, where he'll be joined by Marita Golden and other contributors. The second is September 23 at the Friendship Heights Borders; other guests for that reading haven't been announced.