Heavy ice on top of several inches of snow is creating significant challenges for the Washington D.C. area as it attempts to return to normalcy. With wind chills dropping into the teens, the situation is further complicated. On Tuesday, many schools remained closed, and public transit services operated at limited capacity while other essential services gradually resumed operations.
While substantial plowing efforts have made headway on major roads and some side streets, the remaining routes are hindered by walls of dense, packed snow. Reported incidents of stranded drivers highlight the difficulties as heavy plows create barriers along the roads.
Many residents have resorted to inventive methods to clear their driveways and sidewalks, utilizing unconventional tools like dust pans, fishing nets, and even fire. In Northern Virginia, News4’s Julie Carey captured the creative approaches residents are employing to tackle the tough winter conditions.
For those in need of assistance, local programs are available, such as Operation Silver Shovel in Prince George’s County and D.C.’s Snow Team Heroes, which provide help in snow removal.
Transportation recovery remains ongoing. As of Tuesday morning, D.C. has maintained its snow emergency towing and ticketing measures. In Montgomery County, plowing operations on residential streets were reported to be over 50% complete. While airports are slowly getting back to normal, travelers have been advised to verify their flight schedules beforehand. Reagan National Airport reported 131 cancellations, while Dulles and BWI Marshall saw a combined 20 flight cancellations.
Despite these challenges, residents are finding ways to enjoy the winter weather, with many engaging in fun activities such as Snow Stick Games, showcasing a sense of community amid adversity.
Federal offices and numerous schools will remain closed, with Prince George’s County extending school closures through Thursday while providing meal distributions at designated sites. The ongoing snow conditions have led to the postponement of legal proceedings such as the Fairfax Circuit Court trial.
Public transportation services are heavily limited or completely suspended. Metro’s Metrorail is following a weekend schedule while bus services are increasing with 40 routes currently operational. Similar restrictions apply to Maryland and Virginia transit services, with several routes canceled or limited.
Some government functions are on hold, although certain D.C. libraries plan to open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Montgomery County expects to resume trash pickups on Tuesday, while Prince George’s County has canceled collections for the day, pushing back service schedules.
Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of warming centers available in various locations.
Looking ahead, forecasts suggest the possibility of another winter storm this weekend. Meteorologist Doug Kammerer from Storm Team4 warned that while a snow event is anticipated, it might not result in significant accumulation, advising caution with forecasts from less reliable weather apps.
As this winter season unfolds, the D.C. area’s resilience remains strong, with communities coming together to navigate the challenges posed by severe winter weather. Keeping informed through reliable sources is essential to staying prepared for what lies ahead.