Public Notice: Winter Weather Service Adjustments and City Council Hearings

Emergency Operations and School Closures

Due to severe winter weather and a period of sustained extreme cold, Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced that District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) will be closed today, Wednesday, January 28, 2026. While schools are closed to students, District Government offices are scheduled to open at 10:00 AM under a modified operating posture. Essential employees are required to report as regularly scheduled, while non-essential employees are encouraged to perform their duties remotely. Families enrolled in public charter schools are advised to check directly with their individual institutions for specific closure or virtual learning updates.

Snow Emergency and Public Works Update

A Snow Emergency remains in effect for the District until Thursday, January 29, at 9:30 AM. During this time, motorists are prohibited from parking on designated snow emergency routes to allow for continuous salting and plowing operations; vehicles parked on these routes may be ticketed and towed. The Department of Public Works (DPW) has suspended all household trash, recycling, and food waste collection for Wednesday, January 28. Residents should anticipate delays in collection for the remainder of the week as crews prioritize clearing primary and secondary roadways. Additionally, property owners are reminded of their legal obligation to clear snow and ice from sidewalks surrounding their premises within eight daylight hours after a snowfall ends.

Health Advisory: Extreme Cold and Safety Precautions

An Extreme Cold Alert is currently active across Washington D.C. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors and to dress in multiple layers if they must travel. DC Health and the Department of Human Services encourage residents to look out for neighbors, particularly seniors and those with functional needs. If you see an individual in need of shelter or free transportation to a warming center, please contact the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311. For those experiencing utility issues, DC Water recommends dripping faucets to prevent pipes from freezing and opening under-sink cabinets to allow warm air circulation. Furthermore, the Defense Health Agency has authorized emergency prescription refills for TRICARE beneficiaries through February 5 to ensure residents maintain access to medication during this weather event.

City Council and Public Meeting Schedule

While physical offices may have delayed starts, several official proceedings will continue via virtual platforms today:

• Committee on Transportation & the Environment: A virtual public oversight hearing regarding the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is scheduled from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings (BCIB): A public meeting will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM to review property safety standards.
• Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board (ABC Board): The board will convene for a public hearing from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Prearrest Diversion Task Force: A meeting of the task force is scheduled for 3:00 PM at the Marion S. Barry, Jr. Building to discuss criminal justice coordination.
• State Board of Education (SBOE): The College, Career, and Life-Readiness Committee will meet virtually starting at 5:00 PM.

Federal Government Status

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced that federal agencies in the Washington, D.C. area will open today with a one-hour delayed arrival. Employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework, provided they notify their supervisors accordingly.