Mayor Bowser Urges Residents to Prepare for Severe Storms Expected This Afternoon

(Washington, DC) - Today, Monday, March 16, Mayor Muriel Bowser is urging residents to take steps now to be prepared and stay safe ahead of severe storms that are expected to impact the District of Columbia this afternoon.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed the District under a Moderate Risk of severe weather, an uncommon designation which indicates a high likelihood of severe storm activity that could cause significant impact to infrastructure across the region.

NWS is currently forecasting severe weather that could include damaging wind gusts of up to 80 mph, possible tornadoes, and periods of heavy rain that could cause localized flooding. DC is forecasted to receive two storm bands, one from 11 am to 2 pm and another from 4 pm to 6 pm, with the later storm band expected to be more severe.

At the Mayor's direction, the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) has activated the District's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to monitor conditions and coordinate response and recovery efforts. First responders and emergency personnel are being positioned to respond to potential impacts such as downed trees, utility outages, and unplanned road closures. Through the EOC, District agencies will monitor conditions and respond to impacts as needed.

Yesterday, DC Public Schools (DCPS) announced that due to the forecasted severe weather, DCPS will close two hours early today, Monday, March 16. Afterschool and evening activities are cancelled. Staff will remain at school until all students are safely dismissed.

Residents are encouraged to take steps now to prepare for severe weather.

Before the Storm:

• Charge phones and essential electronics, including medical assistive devices.
• Secure outdoor items such as trash cans and patio or balcony furniture.
• Move vehicles away from large trees if possible.
• Sign up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov to receive emergency notifications.
• Identify interior locations in your home or workplace to shelter during a tornado, ideally on the lowest level of the building and away from windows.
• Bring pets indoors.

During the Storm:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and storm warnings.
• Monitor official weather updates and be prepared to act quickly if warnings are issued.
• Seek shelter indoors and stay away from windows.
• If a tornado warning is issued, move immediately to the lowest level of a sturdy building and shelter in an interior room away from windows.
• Drivers should use caution during heavy rain and never drive through standing water.
• If a tornado occurs when driving, abandon the vehicle and seek shelter in a nearby building.

After the Storm:

• Report non-emergency issues such as downed trees or debris to 311.
• Call 911 for emergencies or life-threatening situations.
• If you are traveling, do not attempt to drive through flooded roads: turn around, don't drown.
• Stay away from downed power lines:
  • Fallen overhead power lines should never be approached or touched, even if the lines do not appear to be live or sparking. Call Pepco at 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) to report fallen electrical lines and power outages.
  • Treat all downed power lines as if they are live. Do not touch, drive over, or try to move downed power lines.
• Check on neighbors and loved ones.

Residents are also encouraged to monitor weather updates and follow District government channels for additional guidance.

How to Stay Informed:

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