Media Contacts

Mafara Hobson (EOM), (202) 727-2807
John Lisle (DDOT), (202) 486-5838
Linda Grant (DPW), (202) 671-2375

(Washington, DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, along with District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein and Department of Public Works (DPW) Director William O. Howland Jr., provided details on the District’s snow deployment plan in anticipation of the latest forecasted snow storm for the region. The National Weather Service is predicting light snow developing tonight starting sometime between 10 pm and midnight and ending in the morning between 6 am – 8 am.

“This is one of those storms we just cannot take a chance with,” said Mayor Fenty. “The precipitation indicates perhaps a smaller amount of snow but with below freezing temperatures and freezing road conditions, pre-treatment and consistency will be a key strategy for providing adequate driving conditions for the morning commute.”

The snow accumulation is predicted to be on the lighter side with a total of about an inch possible, however, any accumulation may cause roadway problems. The District Snow Team is currently set for a full deployment, approximately 200 pieces of equipment, starting at 8 pm. Some crews have already pre-treated with brine on bridges, overpasses, hilly residential routes, and ramps as they are subject to freezing quicker than standard roadways.

“Drivers should prepare for additional congestion in the morning and should plan to leave earlier or perhaps after rush hour in their commutes to work,” said DPW Director Howland who also noted that DPW’s holiday tree and leaf collections will be suspended Friday.

With snow anticipated to fall throughout the morning rush hour, roadways may be slippery and with below freezing temperatures some icing may occur.

“If at all possible, people should look to using transit as an option,” said DDOT Director Klein. “These types of storms can sometimes swing the other way and we could see more than an inch. If that is the case, driving may not be the best course for commuting in the morning.”

DDOT and DPW remind commuters and residents to:

• Do not drive distracted.
• Please take Metro as an alternative to driving.
• Listen to media reports for weather updates
• Remember that driving on ice is significantly different than driving on snow. Even a 4-wheel drive SUV does not perform well in ice and additional safety measures should be followed.
• Drivers should use extreme caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from other vehicles.
• Be aware of road conditions, particularly black ice which can be deceptive in its appearance giving the driver a false sense of security on the road.
• Remember to keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles during any major winter weather event.
• Variable Message Signs placed strategically along local highways and corridors will remind motorists that “Bridges Freeze before Roadways” and/or “Caution – Icy Conditions” in an effort to further remind drivers to go slowly and be wary of icy conditions including black ice in the roadway. Black ice is transparent ice located on the roadway making it very difficult to detect and becoming a major hazard to motorists.
• Please remain alert, do not drive distracted and be aware of surrounding conditions, including other vehicles and pedestrians.