Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Sunday evening that D.C. government will operate under a modified schedule Monday, Jan. 26, as extreme cold and lingering snow and ice continue to impact the region.
Essential employees are expected to report to work as scheduled. Nonessential employees who can telework should do so, while all nonessential in-person government services will be closed.
DC Public Schools were already closed for a professional development and records day. Educators will work remotely, and staff will not be required to report in person. Public charter schools are also expected to close for in-person operations, with families advised to check directly with their schools for updates.
Trash, recycling, and food-waste collection will be suspended Monday. Officials warn residents to expect delays throughout the week as crews contend with icy alleys and streets. Leaf collection remains suspended.
A snow emergency remains in effect through Tuesday morning at 9:30. Parking is prohibited on snow emergency routes, and vehicles parked there may be ticketed or towed. All parking enforcement is suspended except for snow emergency routes.
An Extreme Cold Alert also remains in effect. Hypothermia shelters and low-barrier shelters are open around the clock, along with youth drop-in centers and day services for residents experiencing homelessness. The District urges residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and to call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311 for assistance.
Most recreation centers, libraries, senior centers, DMV locations, and several human services offices will be closed. Construction without emergency or after-hours permits is suspended, and reversible lane operations are halted on several major roadways. DC Streetcar service is not operating.
City snow crews remain fully deployed, focusing on highways, bridges, residential streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Officials remind property owners and businesses they are responsible for clearing sidewalks within eight daylight hours after the storm ends.
Here’s a full breakdown.
Modified Services:
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will suspend construction and work zones for non-emergency work in roadways, alleys, and sidewalks within the District’s right of way. This includes manhole access and construction-related deliveries.
Lane Restrictions:
DDOT will suspend reversible lane operations citywide on the following roads:
Canal Road between Chain Bridge and Foxhall Road NW
Rock Creek Parkway (controlled by the National Park Service)
16th Street NW between Irving Street and Arkansas Avenue NW
The D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB) will not allow construction without an issued after-hours permit. Construction activity that proceeds without this required permit will result in a Stop Work Order. Illegal construction reports can be made using the Illegal Construction Inspection Request Form or after-hours by calling 311. To learn more about authorized construction hours and how to apply for an after hours permit, please view the After Hours Permit webpage. DOB offers many online services, tools, and resources, enabling customers to conduct business 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
All parking enforcement will be suspended, except for Snow Emergency Route ticketing and towing.
DC Streetcar is not operating. Check dcstreetcar.com for the latest updates on routes and schedules.
What’s Closed
Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) recreation centers, community centers, indoor aquatic centers, and offices will be closed.
All DC Public Library (DCPL) locations will be closed.
Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) senior programming, senior wellness centers, and community dining sites will be closed.
The Department of Human Services Economic Security Administration Service Centers as well as the EBT Card Distribution Offices, will be closed; however, the call center will be open, District Direct will be accessible, and benefits will continue to be processed.
The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC), the central intake office for families in the District of Columbia seeking assistance with housing needs, will be closed for in-person services. Households can call 202-526-0017 to connect with a VWFRC team member and complete an assessment for homeless services.
The DC Health & Wellness Center (77 P Street NE) will be closed.
DC Health’s Vital Records Division will be closed.
DC Health’s Licensing and Renewal Division will be closed, with the exception of the online license applications system which will be available at doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals/s/portal-page.
All Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations will be closed. Customers are encouraged to visit the DMV website at dmv.dc.gov for available services online or download the agency’s free mobile app.
The Department of Employment Services Navigation Call Center and all American Job Centers will be closed. Residents are encouraged to file unemployment insurance claims online at does.dc.gov.
The Sasha Bruce Youth Drop-In Centers for District residents experiencing homelessness will be closed.
The Latin American Youth Center Youth Drop-In Center for District residents experiencing homelessness, located at 3045 15th Street NW, will be closed.
Snow Clearing
The snow team is engaging in a full deployment. Heavy plows (six- and 10-wheel dump trucks) treat highways, streets, bridges, ramps, and other elevated structures, and light plows (pickup trucks) treat smaller streets. The Department of General Services (DGS) is currently clearing DC government properties, including walkways, driveways and entryways at schools, police stations, fire houses, DHS shelters, senior wellness centers, and DPR sites.
Bike lanes across the District are serviced by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). DDOT’s bike-lane clean up team clears the protected bike lanes after the District Snow Team clears general motor vehicle travel lanes citywide. Protected bike lanes are usually cleared six to 24 hours after motor vehicle travel lanes.
The community is asked to wait until eight hours after the end of the storm to request snow removal through 311.
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 also within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event.
DC Volunteer Snow Team Heros
ServeDC urges residents with their own shovels to volunteer to clear walkways for senior residents and those with access and functional needs through the DC Volunteer Snow Team. Volunteers will receive deployment assignments via email or phone.
Businesses
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 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 materials.
Business owners should clear their sidewalks 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.
Critical Infrastructure
Reporting power outages or downed wires:
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’re live. Do not touch, drive over, or try to move downed power lines.
Residents should take steps to prevent pipes from freezing/bursting:
Drip water through your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
Open undersink cabinets to help pipes stay warm.
Report loss of water service, widespread low water pressure, or water in the street to DC Water at 202-612-3400.
WTOP Staff
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