Winter storm aftermath forces widespread school closures across Washington, Maryland and Virginia on Tuesday, January 27

Closures expand as cold locks in snow and ice across the region

Schools across Washington, D.C., suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia suspended in-person instruction for Tuesday, January 27, as a weekend winter storm and a prolonged period of extreme cold left many roads and sidewalks hazardous and slowed cleanup operations.

District officials across multiple jurisdictions cited ongoing icy conditions, limited melting due to low temperatures, and the need to prioritize safe transportation for students and staff. The operational impacts extended beyond classrooms, affecting after-school activities, child care programs, public services and government office schedules.

District of Columbia: DCPS closed; city government delayed

In Washington, D.C., D.C. Public Schools will be closed Tuesday. The District government is scheduled to open at 10 a.m., with supervisors encouraged to allow liberal leave based on conditions. Several public library locations are expected to open on a limited schedule, while the city’s snow emergency remains in effect into Wednesday morning.

City agencies continued snow and ice operations with heavy and light plows treating major routes and neighborhood streets, alongside ongoing work to clear access to government facilities, including schools and public safety buildings.

Maryland: Major systems close; Prince George’s sets multi-day shutdown

In Maryland, Montgomery County Public Schools reported a closure for Tuesday, January 27. Prince George’s County indicated public schools would remain closed through Thursday, January 29, reflecting expectations of extended impacts from persistent cold and difficult neighborhood-road conditions.

Additional Maryland districts announcing Tuesday closures included Baltimore County, Howard County and Harford County, with cancellations of after-school and evening activities accompanying the shutdowns.

Virginia: Fairfax County cancels classes and activities

In Northern Virginia, Fairfax County Public Schools announced all schools and central offices would be closed Tuesday, with extracurricular activities, contests, field trips, adult education programs and school-age child care also canceled.

Federal workforce: Washington-area offices closed, telework continues

For federal employees in the Washington, D.C., area, an office closure posture was issued for Tuesday, with maximum telework in effect. Under the framework, telework-capable employees are expected to work remotely, while employees who cannot telework generally receive weather and safety leave for scheduled hours.

What families should monitor Tuesday

• Updated school system decisions on activities and meal distribution programs.
• Local government operating hours, including libraries and recreation facilities.
• Ongoing snow emergency restrictions affecting parking and towing on designated routes.
• Transportation service modifications as agencies adjust to road conditions and extreme cold.

With temperatures remaining well below freezing, officials across the region have emphasized that limited melting can preserve icy patches even after main roads are treated, particularly in shaded areas and on residential streets.

Authorities urged residents to limit travel where possible and to allow additional time for essential trips as crews continue clearing routes and temperatures remain low.