DC, VA Closings As Heavy Snow Creates Hazardous Condtions

VIRGINIA/DC — The first snowstorm of the season has closed schools and government offices across Northern Virginia and D.C., with the snow rapidly accumulating on roads and sidewalks.

A winter storm warning is in effect for the entire region. Forecasters are calling for five to 10 inches of snow for most of the D.C. area and south, with snow heavy at times and wind gusts up to 35 mph.

Temperatures in most of the region have fallen to 31 or 32 degrees and an unusually warm day on Sunday. After the snow ends in the afternoon, temperatures are expected to drop into the teens in the overnight hours.

More than half flights were delayed or canceled at Ronald Reagan National airport and Washington Dulles International Airport, according to FlightAware.com.

All inbound flights to Reagan National are being held at their origin until 10:30 a.m. on Monday. Washington Dulles is currently experiencing departure delays an average of 32 minutes and increasing, according to FlightAware.

Prior to the service suspension, Metrobus had been operating on severe snow service plan on Monday, with bus service limited to major roads only.

WMATA said residents should consider Metrorail as an alternative when possible. No weather-related impacts to Metrorail are anticipated at this time, although Metrorail service is limited due to the removal of all 7000 series trains from the system after the train derailment in October.

OmniRide in Prince William County is suspended until further notice, while Loudoun County Transit is closed Monday due to the storm.

Virginia Railway Express trains are operating on an S schedule.

In the District of Columbia, the city has declared a snow emergency until 7 p.m. on Monday. Snow crews have been deployed to clear D.C. streets.

D.C. Public Schools were scheduled to begin their COVID-19 testing program to prepare for the return to school on Wednesday. Mayor Muriel Bowser that the school system’s return to school from the winter break will shift one day.

DCPS staff must now report their COVID-19 test results before 1 p.m. on Tuesday, instead of Monday as originally planned. DCPS students must now test on Wednesday. Families can pick up their rapid antigen test on Tuesday, Jan. 4 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. or on Wednesday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schools are scheduled to re-open on Thursday.

D.C. government employees will telework on Monday. Essential employees will report for duty as previously scheduled, unless otherwise directed.

Federal offices in the D.C. area are closed Monday. Emergency employees and telework employees will continue to work.

In Arlington County, the government has shifted to virtual operations, while recreation centers and libraries are closed. ART buses are operating on a severe service plan. Alexandria city government offices are closed Monday, with emergency personnel expected to report as scheduled.

Trash and recycling collection was suspended in Arlington due to conditions. Weather-permitting, routes will shift by a day this week, with Monday's running Tuesday.

Fairfax County government offices, including libraries and recreation centers, are closed Monday. Employees eligible to telework are expected to work. The Prince William County government is closed Monday.

All courts in Northern Virginia are closed. D.C. courts are open on an emergency schedule.