Federal employees in the Washington, D.C. area will continue to work under maximum telework conditions as the region copes with the aftermath of a significant winter storm that struck on Sunday. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) announced that federal offices in the D.C. metro area will remain closed for in-person work on January 27.
Following severe weather updates, OPM has clarified that while telework and remote capabilities are in effect, non-telework employees will typically receive weather and safety leave for their scheduled shifts. However, this leave will not apply to those on official travel outside their duty stations or those observing an Alternative Work Schedule on their days off. Emergency personnel, on the other hand, are expected to report to their worksites unless directed otherwise by their respective agencies.
Accompanying the heavy snow, the D.C. region is facing bitterly cold temperatures that are solidifying the snow and ice on roads, creating dangerous driving conditions as temperatures plunge overnight. Local officials from Virginia and Maryland indicated that residents living on side streets may experience delays in snow removal, as plowing efforts are concentrated on main roads.
Additionally, all school systems in the D.C. area have announced closures for Tuesday, with some, such as those in Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County, extending closures into Wednesday.
For federal employees located outside the D.C. metro area, agency heads are tasked with determining the operating status based on the governmentwide dismissal and closure policy that was updated in December. The guidelines indicate that field office leaders will communicate workforce status decisions to their headquarters, while agencies outside of the “Washington capital beltway” are advised to consider federal operating status announcements when formulating local responses. Employees are encouraged to verify their agency’s specific operating status, which will include details regarding telework procedures and leave requests.
As the region continues its recovery from the storm, there is hope that warmer temperatures will follow, potentially easing the treacherous conditions for both commuters and essential services.