With up to 12 inches of snow predicted, the District Snow Team (Department of Public Works and Department of Transportation) will go into a full deployment Wednesday, February 12, putting 287 plows on District commercial and residential streets by 9 pm. The forecast calls for a 100% chance for snow sometime after 7PM Wednesday and snow will continue falling through Thursday evening. The heaviest snowfall is expected after midnight Thursday and could mix with sleet to reduce accumulation. The low temperature Wednesday night is 19F and the high Thursday is 26F.
“If the forecast holds, this will be our first chance this season to tackle a heavy snowfall,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. “We are ready, our equipment is ready and we have plenty of salt. Of course, if enough snow accumulates, we will plow the streets.”
He added that this will be a heavy snow, which could lead to power outages from downed wires. Should power outages occur, Pepco strongly urges the public to call 1-877-Pepco-62 (1-877-737-2662) to report power outages and downed wires (stay away from downed wires and report them immediately).
Residential and commercial property owners are asked to apply an abrasive such as non-clumping kitty litter, rock salt or deicer before the storm begins. They also should be aware that sidewalks must be cleared of snow within 24 hours of the end of the storm.
“While our deployment is based on a forecast 24 hours before the storm is to begin, we know that conditions can change,” noted Director Howland. “Given the amount of snow forecasted, the District may implement a snow emergency/no parking plan Wednesday evening. That’s why we ask everyone to tune into television or radio news broadcasts for the latest information about conditions.”
Winter Weather Safety and Preparedness Tips: Motorists are asked to clear all snow from the vehicle first then drive cautiously. Assist elderly or disabled neighbors with clearing their sidewalks. Also, for plow drivers’ safety, “Don’t crowd the plow.” Residents are encouraged to go to snow.dc.gov for updates before, during and after winter storms, and for tips to get one’s home and family prepared for inclement weather. Residents also may sign up at alert.dc.gov to receive emergency alerts and notifications from Alert DC.
To track the plows, go to snow.dc.gov and click on Track Our Plows.
Social Media:
DPW Twitter: @DCDPW
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DPW Website: dpw.dc.gov
DDOT Twitter: @DDOTDC
DDOT Facebook: facebook.com/DDOTDC
DDOT Website: ddot.dc.gov