More than 5 inches of snow and ice is anticipated between Saturday night and Sunday night in the D.C. area at the same time that bitterly cold Arctic air is entrenched. The dangerous winter storm will lead to treacherous roads and sidewalks.
Unlike many winter storms in the Mid-Atlantic, no thaw is expected in its aftermath, meaning it will take longer than usual for the area to bounce back. The frigid nights, dipping into the single digits in many areas, will cause the snow and ice to solidify, making it more difficult to remove. It may take crews multiple days to clear roads in hard to reach neighborhoods.
The Office of Personnel Management has already decided to close federal offices Monday. Widespread school closures are probable and may extend deeper into the week.
School officials weigh a number of factors, including road conditions, to decide whether to cancel or delay classes. In Alexandria, the city’s school system said that families should prepare for virtual learning this year in grades three through 12 on days when weather prohibits students from going in-person.
The Capital Weather Gang’s predictions for school operations on Monday:
SchoolCast
A snow day is close to a lock Monday given the anticipated severity of this winter storm. We think there’s greater than a 90 percent chance all major school systems in the region shut down.
Note: D.C. Public Schools and Montgomery County schools are closed for students because of previously scheduled planning days, but will probably decide to close for teachers as well.
Karina Elwood contributed to this report.
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