01/05/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/05/2025 16:14
(Washington, DC) - In advance of the expected snowfall, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that DC Public Schools will be closed on Monday, January 6. The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting 5-9 inches of snow mixture in the District, starting Sunday night between 9 and 11 pm. Heaviest snowfall is expected from 4 am to 10 am on Monday, January 6, with the potential for 1-3 inches per hour during this time. According to NWS, the District could experience some sleet/freezing rain mixture Monday morning into Monday afternoon, and intermittent precipitation is expected until Tuesday morning followed by freezing temperatures throughout the rest of the week.
Earlier today, Mayor Bowser declared a Snow Emergency in Washington, DC that will remain in effect through at least the end of the day on Tuesday, January 7. While the snow emergency is in effect, motorists may not park on snow emergency routes and vehicles parked on these routes may be towed. Find a map of the snow emergency routes at snow.dc.gov. Drivers are asked to move vehicles off the routes as soon as possible. Beginning Sunday evening at 9 pm, vehicles still parked along snow emergency routes will be relocated. To learn where a vehicle has been towed, call the Towed Vehicle Locator office at (202) 541-6083, or go to dpw.dc.gov/page/booting-and-impoundment.
DC Government will operate in a modified posture on Monday, January 6. Essential employees shall report to work as regularly scheduled. All employees who can perform their job duties remotely shall work remotely. Non-essential in-person services will be closed on Monday, January 6.
DPW will not collect trash, recycling, food waste, or Christmas trees on Monday, January 6. Collections will "slide" to the next day for the remainder of the week into Saturday. Leaf collection has been suspended.
Residential and commercial property owners are encouraged to spread abrasives (e.g., salt, pet-friendly deicer, or non-clumping kitty litter) on their sidewalks before precipitation begins to reduce the possibility of icing and to prevent slips and falls.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for important weather alerts from the District by signing up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov. For preparedness tips and additional details on the District's snow response, visit the Snow Season FAQ Guide.
A Cold Weather Emergency remains in effect. During a Cold Weather Emergency, the District provides additional services and supports to protect residents from life-threatening illness and injuries associated with severe cold weather. Extended outreach to vulnerable residents is underway to assist unsheltered and vulnerable residents with accessing shelters, warming buses and other resources.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and to help neighbors experiencing homelessness in need of shelter by calling the Shelter Hotline. To request free, accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or by dialing 311. Transportation to shelter is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.
For all animal emergencies, including pets left outdoors in extreme weather, call the Brandywine Valley SPCA at (202) 888-7387.
The following shelter locations are open:
Shelters for Women
Shelters for Men
Shelter for LGBTQ+
Families seeking emergency shelter can call the Shelter Hotline at (202) 399-7093 or 311 at any time day or night.
Residential Snow Clearing
Residential property owners who are not enrolled in the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event. ServeDC urges residents to volunteer to clear sidewalks for senior residents and those with access and functional needs through the DC Volunteer Snow Team. Residents can register for the DC Volunteer Snow Team here.
Businesses and Streateries
Commercial property owners are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event. DPW recommends that restaurant owners along the treated routes bring in all furniture and other elements within the outdoor dining areas, except for the barriers. Failure to do so may result in damage to the furniture or other streatery materials.
Business owners should clear their sidewalks, parklets, and streateries of snow within eight daylight hours of the storm's end. Business owner/permit holders are responsible for clearing out all snow within the outdoor dining area and ensuring sidewalks are accessible.
Safety and Preparedness Tips
The District Snow Team will continue to monitor the weather forecast and adjust its response as necessary. For more information about DC's snow program and preparing for winter weather, visit snow.dc.gov.
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