Snow Emergency Declared: Move All Vehicles from Priority D.C. Routes by Noon

City Under Snow Emergency as Severe Winter Storm Approaches

Mayor Muriel Bowser has officially declared a Snow Emergency for the District of Columbia, effective through Tuesday, January 27, 2026. With the National Weather Service forecasting between 9 and 12 inches of heavy snow starting this afternoon, residents and commuters should prepare for significant travel disruptions throughout the weekend. Frigid temperatures with wind chills reaching as low as -10°F are expected to create hazardous, icy conditions on all major arteries, turning even treated surfaces into potential hazards.

Critical Parking Alert: Noon Deadline

The most immediate concern for residents and weekend commuters is the parking restriction on designated Snow Emergency Routes. All vehicles must be moved from these priority corridors by 12:00 PM today, Saturday, January 24. These routes are vital for the District’s Snow Team to clear paths for emergency vehicles and public transit. Any vehicle remaining on these routes after the noon deadline will be subject to heavy fines and immediate towing to ensure that the more than 300 snowplows and salt spreaders deploying at midday can operate without obstruction.

Metrorail and Public Transit Impacts

WMATA has issued a system-wide advisory warning that heavy snow may lead to the delayed or complete suspension of bus and rail services later today. In addition to weather-related risks, planned maintenance is currently affecting several lines:

• Red Line: Trains are single-tracking between Judiciary Square and Union Station for essential stud and fastener maintenance. Commuters should expect significant delays and consider alternative routes if traveling through the downtown core.
• Orange and Silver Lines: Trains are single-tracking between Ballston and Clarendon for platform lighting repairs.
• Yellow Line: While service now extends to Greenbelt, riders should anticipate increased wait times and potential station closures as the storm intensifies.

Additionally, MARC trains and regional commuter buses are operating under a Winter Weather Service Advisory, with some service adjustments already in effect due to the pending snowstorm.

Hazardous Road Conditions and Infrastructure Updates

The District Snow Team will begin active treatment of major roadways at 12:00 PM. Motorists still on the road this morning should be aware of ongoing infrastructure projects that may exacerbate weekend delays:

• Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway NW: Temporary lane closures remain in place for DC Water utility work. These closures may be adjusted based on the severity of the snowfall.
• Anacostia River Bridges: Bridge scupper cleaning and preventive maintenance have caused intermittent lane shifts, though focus has now shifted to snow clearing operations.

Regional authorities strongly advise residents to stay home and off the roads once the snow begins in the late afternoon. Visibility is expected to drop to less than a quarter-mile during the peak of the storm tonight, making travel extremely dangerous.