D.C. Area Schools Close as Snowstorm Brings Hazardous Conditions

As the first major snowstorm of the year blankets the Washington, D.C., area with 6 to 12 inches of snow, school districts across the region have announced closures for Tuesday. The storm, which brought hazardous driving conditions and transportation disruptions, has prompted officials to urge residents to stay off the roads as slush begins to freeze overnight.

D.C. Public Schools, along with numerous districts in Maryland and Virginia, will remain closed on Tuesday. In Virginia, Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Loudoun County are among the districts shutting down. Maryland’s Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and St. Mary’s County Public Schools have also announced closures, while Frederick County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay.

Local transportation departments are working to clear roads, but conditions remain treacherous. ‘Don’t overdrive the conditions, slow down, take your time, and make sure you give the plow truck drivers plenty of space to operate,’ said Danny King of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. Pedestrians are advised to use sidewalks, even if they are snow-covered, to avoid slipping on icy streets.

Metro trains will operate normally, but Metro buses will run on a severe service schedule, reducing the number of routes from 193 to 42. Air travel has also been impacted, with hundreds of flights canceled at Reagan National Airport, Dulles International Airport, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. Reagan National temporarily closed its runways Monday night to prevent refreezing but is expected to reopen Tuesday morning.

As temperatures plummet, the risk of water main breaks and frozen pipes increases. Residents are encouraged to take precautions, such as insulating pipes and keeping faucets dripping, to prevent damage. The frigid weather is expected to continue throughout the week, with wind speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour and below-freezing wind chills forecasted for Tuesday.

Storm Team4 is also monitoring another potential storm system that could bring additional snow to the region on Saturday. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepare for continued winter weather challenges.