Media Contact:	Mafara Hobson (EOM) at (202) 727-2807
	Karyn Le Blanc (DDOT) at 202-497-4572
	John Lisle (DDOT) at (202) 486-5838
	Linda Grant (DPW) at (202) 671-2375

(Washington, DC) — The National Weather Service is forecasting a mix of snow and ice moving into the region during the early morning hours on New Year’s Eve.

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Director Gabe Klein and Department of Public Works (DPW) Director William O. Howland, Jr. are advising motorists to plan ahead and drive with caution for tomorrow’s rush hour commute.

“This storm will affect the rush hour,” said Mayor Fenty. “We have said this before but want to reemphasize the importance of pre-planning trips, drivers giving themselves extra time, or even better, leaving the car at home and taking Metro or using other transit options.”

DDOT and DPW will have crews out pre-treating roadways starting at 3am on Thursday morning in anticipation of a forecasted storm that will bring snow and ice to the region. Approximately 200 pieces of equipment will be deployed to treat areas that are prone to freezing including bridges, overpasses, and ramps. Crews will also be working throughout the District on major corridors and residential streets clearing roadways of any accumulated snow.

Roadway conditions in the early morning hours and through rush hour will be slippery. Current forecasts indicate the storm will move in to the District around 5am and continue through until the early afternoon when temperatures are expected to rise with precipitation turning to rain.

Citizens are also reminded to clear sidewalks of any fallen snow. In addition, preemptive pre-treatment of sidewalks and stairways is also recommended. The current forecast for this particular system indicates either snow or ice, however, either way pedestrian walkways may be slippery and putting down salt or sand will help keep ice from forming.

DPW and DDOT remind visitors and residents to:

• Not drive unless it is absolutely necessary.
• If people must be in their vehicles 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 measure 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.
• Help your elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow from steps and sidewalks.
• Remember to clear vehicles of all snow and ice including the tops before traveling on roadways.

For more information about the District snow plan, visit ddot.dc.gov/snow.