Major Winter Storm Disrupts DC Region, Schools Announce Closures

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — A significant winter storm impacted the Washington, D.C. area on February 11 and 12, 2025, leading to widespread school closures and treacherous road conditions. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a winter storm warning on Tuesday, effective from 1 p.m. until 7 a.m. Wednesday, predicting snowfall accumulation of four to eight inches across the District and surrounding areas.

As snowfall rates intensified, many schools and universities announced cancellations and delays. Fairfax County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Schools, and several other districts in Maryland and Virginia opted to close for the day on February 12. Snow began falling heavily around 2 p.m. Tuesday, creating hazardous driving conditions for the evening commute.

“The heavy snow will combine with falling temperatures and rapidly stick on all surfaces,” the NWS indicated in an advisory. They urged motorists to drive slowly and maintain a safe distance between vehicles due to slippery roads.

According to the NWS, some areas south of Interstate 66 could see up to seven inches of snow, while many parts of Northern Virginia received more than four inches by early evening. By 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Virginia State Police reported 700 car crashes statewide, including 70 that resulted in injuries, but no fatalities were recorded.

Bob Immler, a traffic reporter for WTOP, highlighted the ongoing challenges on local roads: “There have been several spinouts. They’re working to clear the stranded vehicles and to treat the roads with salt and plows, but it could take a while.” In Washington, D.C., the 5700 block of 14th Street NW was blocked by approximately ten stuck Metro buses, causing further delays.

In preparation for the storm, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin had declared a state of emergency, advising residents to prepare for possible impacts on roadways and infrastructure. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) activated 2,700 pieces of equipment across Northern Virginia to assist with road maintenance. VDOT officials also recommended that residents refrain from traveling if possible to allow road crews to effectively clear the snow.

Director Timothy Spriggs of D.C.’s Department of Public Works stated that the city initiated its snow team deployment, which consists of over 200 snowplows. Crews began treating roads with brine prior to the storm to alleviate snow accumulation. Once accumulation reached 1.5 inches, the plows were dispatched to clear streets.

“We need space. We need time to do the roads,” Spriggs emphasized, reminding residents of the challenges faced by road crews during major storms. He assured that every street in need of clearance would be addressed but requested patience from the community.

Meteorologist Brian van de Graaff of 7News First Alert forecasted a brief respite in snowfall early Wednesday before another round of wintry weather, including freezing rain and sleet, was expected later that evening. The city anticipates transitioning to rain overnight, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-40s by Thursday.

The D.C. area’s winter storm is a reminder of the potential hazards posed by severe weather, prompting both local officials and community members to prioritize safety and preparedness.