Contact (Media Only): Erik Linden (202) 438-7719, Karyn LeBlanc (202) 497-4572

(Washington, DC) The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch and is forecasting a snow and ice event beginning late Monday evening and continuing through Wednesday.

Based on current weather calculations, the storm is tracking toward the District and forecasters are predicting up to 1 inch of snow to be followed by an as much as 1 inch of ice by the end of the storm.

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) are closely monitoring the storm track and will begin to treat the major roadways—initially pre-treating with de-icer and salt focusing on bridges, overpasses and the main arteries. 

Full deployment of vehicles is scheduled to begin at 10 pm Monday evening in an effort to minimize icy conditions. Crews are scheduled to work throughout the remainder of the storm continually tracking and treating the districts roadways. Timing of full deployment could fluctuate depending on the storm track. Full deployment includes 150 trucks and about 450 total personnel working on storm operations.

“It is important for drivers to remember that driving on ice is significantly different than driving on snow,” said Emeka Moneme, acting Director of DDOT. “Residents and commuters are encouraged to monitor media announcements throughout the storm to keep abreast of the storm status.”

DDOT and DPW remind commuters and residents to:

• Use Metro when possible
• Telecommute on Tuesday and Wednesday
• Drivers should use extreme caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from other vehicles, 
• Remember even a 4-wheel drive SUV does not perform well in ice and additional safety measures should be followed, 
• 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, and
• Remember to keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles during any major winter weather event.

For more information about DDOT and DPW’s snow and ice control plan.