(Washington, DC) Snow is predicted to begin falling early Friday. The DC Snow Team (Department of Public Works and the District Department of Transportation) will deploy 170 trucks on their routes by 3 am Friday, January 7. Already, brine has been sprayed to treat bridges, overpasses and other elevated structures. The overnight air and pavement temperatures will be below freezing so precipitation will stick.

“The forecast is for light snow showers developing after 2 am Friday and continuing until about 10 am to noon with accumulation of a coating to a half inch,” said DPW Director William O. Howland Jr. “We want motorists to slow down during the morning commute because there may be icy patches on the roadways.” Mr. Howland also asked property owners to put salt or other abrasives on their sidewalks to give pedestrians traction as they walk to school and work.

Residents and travelers are reminded to:

• Take Metro as an alternative to driving.
• Drive only if it is absolutely necessary.
• If you must drive, drive cautiously and maintain safe speeds and distances from other vehicles.
• Keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles and please use caution when attempting to pass a snowplow. Give the drivers plenty of room to safely do their jobs.
• Clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of the end of a snow/ice storm.
• Help elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow from their steps and sidewalks.

For more information about the District’s snow and ice control plan, visit DDOT’s website at ddot.dc.gov or DPW’s website at dpw.dc.gov. You also can follow us on Twitter.com @DDOTDC or @DCDPW for regular updates on road conditions and snow removal efforts.

Media Contacts

John Lisle (DDOT) (202) 671-2375

Linda Grant (DPW) (202) 671-2375