Contact (Media Only): Karyn LeBlanc's cell (202) 497-4572; Linda Grant's cell (202) 497-1080; Erik Linden's cell (202) 438-7719

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Department of Public Works (DPW) are preparing for freezing rain meteorologists predict will begin falling in the District around 5 am, Sunday, February 25. Preparations include pre-treating bridges, overpasses and other elevated structures Saturday night and staging a full deployment of 176 crews and pieces of equipment to be in place at 3 am Sunday.  Once precipitation begins, these crews will begin applying salt.  DDOT and DPW crews will treat the major arterials first, then the secondary roads, then the residential streets.

Meteorologists forecast temperatures will be below freezing early Sunday, then rising slightly above freezing by Sunday afternoon.  Freezing rain will turn to rain as the temperature goes up; however, rain is expected to continue through early Monday morning and the temperature may go below freezing.  Everyone should be aware that untreated streets may freeze.  Crews will continue to apply salt throughout the storm.

DDOT and DPW remind commuters and residents to:

• Remember that driving on ice is significantly different than driving on snow.
• 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.
• Remember to keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles during any major winter weather event.
• Use Metro whenever possible.