Official Notice: Snow Emergency Extensions and Modified City Operations for Tuesday

Emergency Alert: Snow Emergency and Extreme Cold Posture

Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that the Snow Emergency for the District of Columbia has been extended through Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. This extension is necessary to allow for the continued clearing of consolidated ice and snow following the weekend's exceptional winter storm. Under this emergency declaration, motorists are strictly prohibited from parking on designated snow emergency routes. Vehicles found in violation are subject to being ticketed and towed to ensure that the District Snow Team can effectively clear primary transit corridors. Residents seeking to locate a towed vehicle should contact the Towed Vehicle Locator at 202-541-6083 or visit the official Department of Public Works website.

An Extreme Cold Alert remains in effect as the region faces dangerously low temperatures and sub-zero wind chills. The District has activated all hypothermia shelters to provide warm, safe spaces for those experiencing homelessness. Residents are urged to report anyone in need of shelter or free, accessible transportation by calling the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311. For immediate medical emergencies related to the cold, please call 911.

Modified Government and Education Schedules

Due to persistent frigid conditions and ongoing cleanup efforts, the following operational changes are in effect for Tuesday, January 27:

• DC Public Schools: All DCPS facilities are closed today. Families of public charter school students should consult their individual schools for specific closure updates.
• District Government: DC Government offices will operate on a delayed opening schedule, officially opening at 10:00 a.m. Supervisors have been encouraged to allow liberal leave for non-essential employees.
• Public Libraries: Most library branches will remain closed. However, eight select locations—including the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Anacostia, Mt. Pleasant, and Tenley-Friendship libraries—will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to serve as warming centers.
• Sanitation Services: There will be no collection of trash, recycling, or food waste today. Residents should anticipate collection delays throughout the week as DPW crews prioritize snow and ice removal.

Council of the District of Columbia: Legislative Activity

The Council of the District of Columbia continues its legislative business today with several sessions conducted under modified postures:

• Public Hearing: A public hearing is scheduled for Bill 26-0285, which proposes to revise mandatory dates for the provision of heat and air conditioning in rental housing units to better align with shifting seasonal temperatures.
• Committee Mark-Ups: The Committee on Child and Family Services is holding mark-ups on several confirmation resolutions, including PR26-0358 for the Director of the Child and Family Services Agency, Tanya Torres Trice, and various bills related to youth rehabilitation and foster care support.

Health Advisory: Childhood Vaccination Guidelines

DC Health has issued a notice confirming that the District has joined a majority of states in adopting the independent medical recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for childhood vaccines. Moving forward, the District will rely on these standards rather than the newest federal CDC guidelines for pediatric immunizations. Parents are encouraged to consult their primary care providers regarding these routine vaccination schedules.