I have DirecTV and have a signal of 94 per the receiver. The only time I lose signal is when a HUGE thunderhead cloud is directly between me and the satellite. It doesn't even have to be raining yet - but then again, the heaviest downpour will not make it drop out unless the cloud is in exactly the right place.
That said, last year we had that huge blizzard in Feb and my signal never went out. In fact, due to power outages, the entire regional cable system was down for days. I watched in comfort the whole time on generator power. Same thing during the hurricane in September - no loss of signal except for one 5 minute period. Cable all over the area was out for days.
Also, I can take my receiver, a spare dish, and a TV and have it at the cabin, including local Baltimore stations.
Another thing: If you live in an area where they do not offer local stations, especially if you're CLOSE to an area that does, you can trick them into selling you the local channels. I did it by simply going online and changing the service address to my dad's house (where they offer local), but keeping the billing address at my house. Then I called them and had them turn on the local channels. Been doing it for about three years now without problems. And it's not theft - I pay for the local channels.