(Washington, DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, along with District Department of Transportation Director Gabe Klein and Department of Public Works Director William O. Howland Jr., and snow team crews are prepared for the weekend snow storm in the District. The National Weather Service and other local weather forecasters have predicted the District will be on the northern side of the massive storm moving across the United States. Precipitation in the form of snow is predicted for DC with 1 to 3 inches expected.

“All weather reports currently indicate the District will not see accumulations much above three inches but this is still a significant amount for our area,” said Mayor Fenty. “Crews have already begun pre-treating and our deployment plans are being put into effect.”

Current forecasts indicate that the District is on the northern edge of the storm with snow anticipated to begin falling in the District between 7 and 9 am on Saturday morning. District crews are scheduled to be gearing up for full deployment, with approximately 180 pieces of snow removal equipment, starting at 3 am. The majority of the District’s bridges, overpasses, routes on the National Highway System, and hilly residential streets have already been pre-treated with a brine solution which helps prevent or slow down the accumulation of snow and ice (brine solution is comprised of salt, water, and beet juice).

“We are again thankful that this is occurring on a weekend and will not significantly impact normal rush hours,” said DPW Howland. “However, we strongly caution residents and motorists to monitor the storm and remain diligent and careful when driving.”

Residents are again reminded to clear sidewalks and catch basins and to put any shoveled snow into tree boxes.

“Temperatures will remain well below freezing, particularly at night,” said DDOT Director Klein. “We strongly encourage residents to remove snow and assist elderly and disabled friends and neighbors if possible as accumulations on sidewalks will freeze quickly.”

In addition, commuters and residents are reminded to:

• Do not drive distracted.
• Listen to media reports for weather updates.
• Drivers should use extreme caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from snow plows and 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.
• Please remain alert and be aware of surrounding conditions including other vehicles and pedestrians.