Major Snowstorm Forces School Closures Across D.C. Area

ELLICOTT CITY, Maryland — A significant winter storm has prompted widespread school closures and operational changes across the D.C. area for Wednesday, February 12. District officials announced the closure of all Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) due to forecasted snowfall accumulating over six inches by morning.

As of late Tuesday night, winter storm warnings were issued for most of the DMV, predicting between 4 to 8 inches of snow in many areas. The National Weather Service reported potential totals reaching 12 inches further south of D.C.

MCPS announced the closures at 6 p.m. Tuesday when it became clear that the storm would impair transport conditions. “Snow has begun falling, and we are closely monitoring its impact on our schools,” said district officials in a statement. “Roads, sidewalks, and school campuses will not be safe for on-time or delayed openings on Wednesday.”

To prepare for the adverse weather, MCPS operations teams will be clearing snow from buses and school parking lots while simultaneously treating sidewalks around its facilities. “We have 211 schools and seven bus depots to prepare for students, staff, and visitors,” the statement continued.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is also taking precautionary measures. With 2,700 pieces of snow-fighting equipment deployed in Northern Virginia, the agency urged motorists to avoid travel if possible. “The fewer people on the road, the more effective our response will be,” said VDOT spokesperson Alex Liggitt.

Officials in nearby jurisdictions, including Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Virginia, followed suit with school closures and adjustments amid worsening conditions. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency and urged residents to prepare for potential public safety hazards.

Throughout the evening commute, roads became treacherous. By Tuesday night, around 700 crashes were reported statewide in Virginia alone, with an emphasis on maintaining safety for both motorists and first responders. Manassas City Police said officers would prioritize emergency responses to significant incidents only, advising drivers of minor accidents to exchange information off major thoroughfares.

As communities brace for impacts from this winter storm, Mayor Muriel Bowser‘s office stated that more than 200 snowplows would work on major roads and side streets with brine pre-treatment already in place. “We need space and time to manage the roads correctly,” urged Timothy Spriggs, director of the Department of Public Works.

As the storm is expected to clear by mid-morning Wednesday, weather forecasts suggest a potential transition to a wintry mix of snow, sleet, and rain throughout the day, adding further complications for cleanup and recovery efforts. Meteorologists advise residents to remain cautious on the roads and keep an eye out for rapidly changing conditions.

The last updates from weather services indicate that residents should expect an additional round of wintery weather later in the week, with frost advisories likely to extend into Thursday. As conditions evolve, more updates regarding school operations and travel safety will be communicated to the public.