Perfect storm: snow, traffic and a new president

November 21, 2008 - 4:00pm

An Engineer soldier from the Inaugural Snow Removal Force gauges how to move one of many abandoned D.C. cars during the surprise pre-inaugural snowfall in1961. (Photo courtesy of US Army Corps of Engineers)

Mark Segraves, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON -- A snow-covered swear-in? The possibility alone is enough to trouble organizers of the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama.

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty estimates a record three to five million people will pour into the city for a glimpse at history, and snow could add another tricky layer to an already busy coordinating job.

If the inauguration does bring flakes, Bill Howland, District Director of Public Works, says the city has a dedicated snow team for the inaugural route, all with proper authorization.

"We have about 80 employees who go through Secret Service clearance," Howland says.

Even if the rest of the city needs salting or plowing, Howland was candid about where the inaugural route ranks on the priority list.

"It'll probably get better treatment than everything else."

Dating back to 1937, it has only snowed on Inauguration Day four times. The last time was President Bush's first inauguration in 2001. The city was nearly shut down for John F. Kennedy's 1961 inauguration after eight inches fell into early morning.

It took more than 700 troops from Fort Belvoir with flame throwers to clear the parade route.