Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency in Washington on Friday as a major winter storm forecast to bring heavy snow, freezing rain and dangerously cold temperatures approached the region.
The declaration, which took effect immediately, also includes a snow emergency beginning at noon Saturday and lasting through Tuesday morning, requiring drivers to move vehicles off designated snow emergency routes or face towing and fines.
District officials warned the storm could begin late Saturday and continue through Monday, with forecasts calling for at least nine inches of snow and the potential for higher totals in some areas. Freezing rain is expected to follow, creating hazardous travel conditions before a prolonged stretch of extreme cold settles in.
“This is a serious storm, and we need residents to take it seriously,” Bowser said in a statement, urging people to limit travel and prepare for several days of dangerous weather.
Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing into midweek, with wind chills dropping well below zero at times, increasing the risk of hypothermia and power disruptions.
As part of the emergency declaration, Bowser requested assistance from the D.C. National Guard, including high-clearance vehicles, to help ensure emergency responders can reach residents during the storm.
The city has activated hypothermia shelters and expanded outreach efforts for people experiencing homelessness. Officials also urged residents to sign up for AlertDC notifications, check on elderly neighbors and take precautions such as covering exposed skin and keeping emergency supplies on hand.
City leaders said crews are pre-positioning equipment and materials across the District and emphasized that public cooperation — especially compliance with snow emergency parking rules — will be critical to keeping roads passable and emergency services operating during the storm.
