DC, NoVa Federal Offices Closing Early Jan. 7 Due To Weather

WASHINGTON, DC. -- The Office of Personnel Management has changed the operating status of federal offices Tuesday in the Washington, D.C. metro region as "Early Departure," according to an announcement on the the OPM website. All employees must depart no later than 1 p.m., at which time federal offices will be closed.

Federal employees with offices in the area are authorized to leave early Tuesday. Federal employees should leave four hours earlier than when they normally depart from work. They may request unscheduled leave to depart earlier than their staggered departure time.

The Washington, D.C. metro area is under a winter weather advisory, including Baltimore and eight Maryland counties.

In anticipation of the early dismissal, Fairfax Connector has made adjustments to some of its routes on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Customers who ride Routes 699 and Route 698 are encouraged to take the Orange Line of Metro to the Vienna-Fairfax-GMU station. From there, they can take Routes 621 and 623 to Government Center Park and Ride. Commuters can also take Route 630 from Vienna to Fair Oaks Mall and then switch to Route 605 to the Government Center. Riders can learn more here.

Because of the weather advisory, the Virginia State Police is advising commuters to drive for the weather, according to a press release. Snow along the Interstate 81 corridor in western Virginia has already caused numerous crashes on Tuesday. Although no traffic fatalities have been reported, many of the vehicles have been damaged.

The State Police remind drivers to:

• Use headlights to increase visibility and help spot slick surfaces.
• Slow your speed to give yourself more time to react.
• Don't tailgate. You'll need more stopping space on slick surfaces.
• Buckle up.
• Check your vehicle to make sure it is prepared for the wintry conditions. This means filling up your gas tank, checking your wipers, etc.
• Don't forget to bring a window scraper. While you're at it, bring a blanket, bottled water, a snack, flashlight and cell phone charger.

For the latest information on road conditions and updates, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at www.511virginia.org.

Limit calling 911 or #77 on your cell phone to emergency situations.