Mayor Announces School Closures and Delayed Government Opening Due to Snow Emergency

Emergency Weather Measures and School Closures

Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) are closed today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, as the city continues to navigate a severe winter storm. While schools are shuttered, the District government is operating on a modified schedule with a delayed opening. All government offices are set to open to the public at 10:00 a.m. This decision follows a night of heavy snowfall and an ongoing Extreme Cold Alert that has placed significant strain on city resources.

The city-wide snow emergency has been officially extended through Thursday, January 29, at 9:30 a.m. Residents are warned that parking is strictly prohibited on designated snow emergency routes to facilitate the work of the District's Snow Team. Vehicles found on these routes will be towed to ensure that plows can maintain clear paths for emergency responders and public transit. Motorists are urged to stay off the roads if possible to allow for continuous clearing operations across all eight wards.

Government and Agency Meetings Scheduled for Today

Despite the weather-related disruptions, several District boards and task forces are moving forward with their scheduled agendas for Wednesday. Due to the delayed government start, some morning sessions may experience minor adjustments in timing or transition to virtual formats.

• Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABC Board): The board is scheduled to convene at 10:30 a.m. at the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration headquarters. The session will focus on pending licensing applications and regulatory enforcement matters.
• Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings (BCIB): A public meeting for the BCIB is slated to begin at 10:00 a.m. to review cases regarding hazardous residential structures and property maintenance violations.
• Prearrest Diversion Task Force: Under the direction of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), this task force will meet at 3:00 p.m. in the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building. Members will discuss updates to the District’s diversion programs aimed at reducing recidivism through community-based interventions.
• DC State Board of Education (SBOE): The SBOE’s College, Career, and Life-Readiness Committee is scheduled to hold a virtual meeting at 5:00 p.m. via Zoom to discuss student preparedness and vocational training initiatives.

Impact on City Services and National Events

The Department of Public Works has confirmed that there will be no household trash or recycling collection today. Residents are encouraged to check the city’s official snow portal for updates on when regular collection cycles will resume. Additionally, hypothermia shelters remain open throughout the city to provide safe, warm spaces for residents experiencing homelessness during this period of extreme cold. The Shelter Hotline is active for those requiring transportation to these facilities.

The District also serves as the backdrop for the 94th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors this week. High-level diplomatic activities are expected to continue today, including a reception hosted by the Embassy of Singapore to commemorate sixty years of diplomatic relations with the United States. Mayor Bowser is anticipated to participate in sessions with visiting municipal leaders from across the nation to discuss urban policy and federal funding priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.