Mayor Bowser Deploys District Snow Team as Major Winter Storm Hits D.C.

Mayor Coordinates Emergency Response as Significant Snowfall Looms

Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially activated the District’s emergency response protocols today, Saturday, January 24, 2026, as Washington D.C. prepares for its first major high-impact winter storm of the year. Following a public briefing held late Friday, the Mayor confirmed that the District Snow Team will begin the active treatment of major roadways and bridges starting at 12:00 p.m. today.

According to the National Weather Service, the capital is expected to see between nine and twelve inches of snow, with the heaviest accumulation beginning this afternoon and continuing through Sunday morning. In response to these projections, the District has been under a Cold Alert since Friday evening. The city government is prioritizing the safety of vulnerable residents by opening several hypothermia shelters across all eight wards.

Emergency Measures and Public Safety Alerts

The Mayor’s office has urged residents to stay off the roads once the snow begins to fall to allow plows and salt spreaders to operate effectively. Key government updates for today include:

• Roadway Treatment: Salt spreaders and brining vehicles will be deployed to primary and secondary routes starting at noon.
• Human Services: The Shelter Hotline is currently active. Residents are encouraged to call 311 or the dedicated hotline to request free, accessible transportation for anyone in need of a warm place to stay.
• Public Transit: While Metro services are currently running, officials have warned of potential delays or the implementation of snow routes for Metrobus later today.

Leadership Transitions and City Events

The emergency response comes during a week of significant activity for the D.C. government. On January 22, the DC Council underwent a formal reorganization of its committee structure following the appointment of its newest member, Doni Crawford. While the Council is not in session today, leadership is reportedly monitoring the storm's impact on local infrastructure and the ongoing performance oversight of city agencies.

Despite the weather warnings, some city-sanctioned events remain on the schedule for today. The Washington D.C. Auto Show continues at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, though organizers have advised visitors to check for early closure notices. Additionally, the National Portrait Gallery is set to open its Outwin 2025 exhibition today, though city officials recommend that residents prioritize safety over non-essential travel as conditions deteriorate into the evening.