Storm Update from CM Charles Allen
Posted January 23, 2026
State of Emergency & Parking Restrictions
Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared both a State of Emergency and a Snow Emergency for the District. The Snow Emergency is in effect from noon Saturday through at least 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.
During this time, parking is prohibited on snow emergency routes, and vehicles left on those routes may be ticketed or towed. Residents are encouraged to check the city’s snow emergency route map before parking.
Schools & Government Operations
- DC Public Schools are already scheduled to be closed Monday, and staff’s professional development will be remote. Families should continue to monitor communications from their individual schools for any additional updates.
- Charter schools typically follow DCPS but may make independent decisions.
- Federal government operations will be announced through OPM, while the District government will share official updates directly.
Trash, Leaf Collection & City Services
Residents should anticipate delays in trash and recycling pickup, especially if snow and ice remain on streets and alleyways.
- For each day of suspension, DPW typically follows a holiday-style slide schedule.
- Residents should wait until late evening or the following day before reporting missed collections via 311, being mindful that icy conditions will lead to slower collection.
- Leaf collection will be paused, as the same crews are responsible for snow removal.
Transit Impacts
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority riders should expect bus delays in icy conditions. Extreme cold can also impact rail service, as seen earlier this week. Riders are encouraged to check service status before traveling and sign up for MetroAlerts.
Roads, Sidewalks & Safety
- Driving should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Road conditions are expected to be dangerous, even with plows operating.
- Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks within eight daylight hours after snowfall. Clearing snow periodically during the storm can help prevent ice buildup.
- If you’re able, residents are encouraged to help neighbors who may have difficulty shoveling.
“During major snow events, most of us are walking, not driving,” Allen said. “Clear sidewalks make a real difference for safety and accessibility.”
Hypothermia Shelters & Cold Weather Help
With prolonged cold expected, residents who see someone outside in distress should call the DC Hypothermia Hotline at 202-399-7093. In emergencies, call 911.
The District’s Snow Team will continue posting updates at snow.dc.gov.
Volunteer to Shovel for Neighbors Who Can’t
Serve DC maintains a great DC Volunteer Snow Team that will notify registered volunteers about nearby neighbors who cannot shovel their sidewalk or stoop and could use help. If you can get over there, you just respond to let them know and take care of it – don’t worry, there’s no required commitment, but it’s a great way to help out if you are able to do some extra shoveling. You can get a free shovel as well. All the information is here: https://servedc.galaxydigital.com/snow-team/
Capitol Hill Corner would also like you to know about:
AlertDC is the official emergency notification system for the District of Columbia, delivering real-time, personalized alerts about critical incidents, severe weather, traffic, and public safety issues via text, email, or app. Sign up here https://hsema.dc.gov/page/alertdc
The District’s Snow Team will continue posting updates at snow.dc.gov. https://snow.dc.gov./
Pepco – 1 877 737 2662
https://www.pepco.com/outages/experiencing-an-outage/report-an-outage
DC Water – 202 354 3600
CAPITOL HILL CORNER 