(Washington, DC) – In preparation for expected rain and snow, Mayor Muriel Bowser will activate a full deployment of the District Snow Team on Sunday, February 22. The team will begin treating major roadways with salt at 12 pm on Sunday.
The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently forecasting a mix of rain and snow on Sunday, February 22 into Monday, February 23, with the possibility of several inches of accumulation. While the forecast is likely to change between now and Sunday, the current forecast has precipitation starting as rain on Sunday morning or afternoon. As temperatures drop, snow is expected throughout the day, and overnight into Monday morning.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and help neighbors experiencing homelessness in need of shelter by calling the Shelter Hotline. To request free, accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311. If you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911.
Cold Weather and Shelters
A Cold Alert will be in effect starting at 7 pm tonight. The District opens Hypothermia Shelters to ensure there are warm, safe places to be for anyone experiencing homelessness. For a list of shelters and other information about hypothermia season, visit cold.dc.gov. Cold Alerts and Extreme Cold Alerts are shared through AlertDC, the District’s emergency public notification system. Residents can sign up for free email and text alerts and updates at alert.dc.gov.
Cold Weather Safety Precautions:
- Stay inside if you can.
- Cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside.
- Check on your neighbors and learn the signs of hypothermia, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with access and functional needs who are the most vulnerable in our community.
- For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Brandywine Valley SPCA at 202-888-PETS.
Low-Barrier Shelters
The following low-barrier shelters are open 24/7 year-round (except where noted):
Women
- Harriet Tubman – 1910 Massachusetts Avenue SE
- Pat Handy – 810 5th Street NW
- St. Josephine Bakhita – 6010 Georgia Avenue NW (7 pm to 7 am only)
Men
- 801 East – 2722 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue SE
- Adams Place – 2210 Adams Place NE
- Emery – 1725 Lincoln Road NE
- New York Avenue – 1355 New York Avenue NE
LGBTQ+
- Living Life Alternative – 400 50th Street SE
Hypothermia Shelters
The following hypothermia shelters will be open around the clock beginning Saturday, February 21 at 7 pm through Tuesday, February 24 at 7 am:
Women
- Eve’s Place – 2210 Adams Place NE
- Harbor Light – 2100 New York Avenue NE
Men
- 801 East Day Center – 2722 Martin L. King Jr. Avenue SE
- Blair Hypothermia – 635 I Street NE
- Emery Hypothermia – 1725 Lincoln Road NE
- Federal City 1 North – 425 2nd Street NW
- Naylor Road – 2601 Naylor Road SE
- Salvation Army – 3335 Sherman Avenue NW
Please note: Adjustments to hours and facilities may occur if circumstances dictate (e.g., utility issues, weather-related access, etc.)
District Snow Team Deployment
The snow team will engage in a full deployment, consisting of approximately 200 heavy and light plows. Heavy plows (six- and 10-wheel dump trucks) treat highways, streets, bridges, ramps, and other elevated structures, and light plows (pick-up trucks) treat smaller streets.
Residential and commercial property owners are encouraged to spread abrasives (e.g., salt, pet-friendly deicer, or non-clumping kitty litter) on their sidewalks before precipitation begins to reduce the possibility of icing and to prevent slips and falls.
The Department of General Services (DGS) is monitoring the forecast and is ready to begin deploying their snow team as needed to pretreat all DC government properties, including walkways, driveways and entryways at police stations, fire houses, DHS shelters, senior wellness centers, DC Public Schools buildings, and Department of Parks and Recreation sites. Based on the performance of the storm, DGS is prepared to move into removal, cleanup, and post-treatment operations. For more information on DGS snow and ice operations, visit DGS snow and ice operations FAQs.
DPW leads the District Snow Team with support from the District Department of Transportation, DGS, HSEMA, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, Serve DC, and several other agencies.
Residential Snow Clearing
Residential property owners who are not enrolled in the Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption Program are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event.
Following snowstorms that deliver more than three inches of accumulation, the DC Volunteer Snow Team deploys to clear sidewalks for senior residents and those with access and functional needs. Residents are encouraged to volunteer, and can register for the DC Volunteer Snow Team at snowteam.dc.gov.
Businesses
Commercial property owners are required to clear snow and ice from their sidewalks within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event. DPW recommends that restaurant owners bring in all furniture and other elements within outdoor dining areas, except for barriers. Failure to do so may result in damage to furniture or other materials.
Business owners should clear their sidewalks of snow within eight daylight hours of the storm’s end. Business owner/permit holders are responsible for clearing out all snow within outdoor dining areas and ensuring sidewalks are accessible.
Residents and commuters are encouraged to register for important weather alerts from the District by signing up for AlertDC at alert.dc.gov. For preparedness tips and additional details on the District’s snow response, visit the Snow Season FAQ Guide.
Winter Weather Safety and Preparedness Tips
- Find your snow shovel and make sure it is adequate for another snow season.
- Check your supply of abrasives – deicer, rock salt, or non-clumping kitty litter – and get more if necessary.
- Avoid driving during the worst part of the storm. If possible, only travel during daylight hours, don’t travel alone, and stay on main roads instead of taking shortcuts.
- Have enough over-the-counter and prescription medications for your family and pets.
- Make sure your gutters are cleared of leaves. Call 311 to report clogged storm drains/catch basins and other non-emergency hazards or damage.
- Keep your vehicle’s fluids tanks – gas, water, antifreeze and windshield wiper – full.
- Have a flashlight, blankets, and scrapers in your vehicle before a storm begins.
- Install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and/or replace the batteries in existing devices.
- Do not use a gas oven, generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline burning device inside your home, basement, or garage.
- Avoid frozen pipes by allowing a small trickle of water to run through the pipes.
The District Snow Team will continue to monitor the weather forecast and adjust its response as necessary. For more information about DC’s snow program and preparing for winter weather, visit snow.dc.gov.
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