i live in the mid peninsula in maryland, no such time to store here. we get those breaks in the weather to smoke most anytime. when not in use my WSM's are under the factory covers, (i guess for the aesthetics) but have a contractor trash bag under the weber covers, they leak which allows rain water or melting snow/ice to find its way to the bottom section, no good! there have been times mold will start during the summer, however, there is enough "seasoning" build up that i can scrape what little does show up, off. speaking of, is there an aftermarket cover you might recommend?