Media Contacts:   John Lisle (DDOT) at 202-671-2004; Nancee Lyons (DPW) at 202-671-2637

Weather forecasts are predicting snow showers and flurries for the Washington area between 7 pm this evening and 4 am thursday morning. With temperatures in the upper teens tonight, we could see anywhere from a coating of snow to an inch of accumulation on local roadways, creating potentially slick conditions for motorists.

As a result, the District’s Snow Team (District Department of Transportation and Department of Public Works) is planning a partial deployment beginning at 7 pm this evening. 100 heavy and light plows will be deployed to treat elevated surfaces and roadways. Elevated surfaces are areas where freezing may occur faster than regular roadways and include bridges, overpasses and ramps. Motorists are advised to drive with caution as icy patches could occur.

DDOT and DPW also remind residents and commuters to:

• Remember that driving on ice is significantly different than driving on snow.
• 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.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
• Remember to 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 all the snow and ice from your vehicle's windows and lights - even the hood and roof - before driving.
• Clear sidewalks.
• Help your elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow from steps and sidewalks.
• Clear catch basins and fire hydrants.
• Please do not put snow in the street. Put all cleared snow, from parked cars and sidewalks, in the "tree box," front yard, or between the curb and sidewalk.