LIVE WEATHER UPDATES: ‘Essential Water Use Only’ request lifted for Prince George’s, Montgomery counties

The “essential water use only” request issued last week for Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland has been lifted.

WSSC Water lifted the request Monday for some 1.9 million customers.

“The water distribution system demand and pressure have stabilized, and water storage levels have returned to normal,” the utility said in a news release.

The request was first issued Jan. 27, citing a high number of water main breaks and leaks being anticipated due to extreme cold temperatures.

The utility said some 190 water main breaks and leaks were experienced. WSSC Water said water main breaks and leaks should be reported by calling 301-206-4002 or sending an email to emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com.

WSSC Water is expected to continue its “essential water use only” request through the weekend for customers due to cold temperatures and an increase in water main breaks around the region.

In a release on Thursday, WSSC Water is asking its 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland to use water only for essential purposes. That includes taking shorter showers and not using faucets at full force.

They contend that drinking water is still safe and does not need to be boiled.

Heightened demand from people snowed in at home coupled with an ever-growing list of water main breaks and leaks has strained the system, leading to calls from WSSC crews for customers’ help. Customers are urged to report any water surfacing or flowing down streets, the water utility company said.

Washington, D.C. is suspending fines for residents and businesses that have not cleared sidewalks within the first eight hours after a storm due to the hard-pack snow.

Property owners that fail to shovel their sidewalks can usually face $25 to $150 fines. The fines issued since Sunday will be waived, sources report.

The D.C. Department of Public Works offers a Sidewalk Shoveling Exemption to qualifying residents 65 or older for not removing snow from their sidewalks. DPW employees do not shovel residents’ sidewalks, but the city has multiple programs, including DC Snow Team Heroes, that can help.

At a news conference Wednesday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said residents are still expected to still clear their sidewalks where possible.

“We do need people to continue to focus on their sidewalks — businesses and residents,” Bowser said.

D.C.’s snow emergency is set to expire at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, after the city announced Tuesday an extension of the emergency.

While the snow emergency is in effect, drivers cannot park on snow emergency routes. Vehicles parked on these routes may be towed, the city said.

A map of those routes is below:

To learn where a vehicle has been towed, call the Towed Vehicle Locator office at 202-541-6083, or go to the city’s website.

Millions of people who live in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland are being asked to only use water for “essential purposes effective immediately.”

WSSC Water said Tuesday that the request is due to “significant increase in water main breaks and leaks” predicted due to extreme cold. This affects some 1.9 million customers. As of Tuesday afternoon, WSSC Water is aware of 33 breaks and leaks.

“At this time, water is safe and there is no need to boil before essential use,” the utility said.

The utility company said limiting water use could avoid a “Boil Water Advisory and help preserve water for system storage and fire protection as crews work to repair breaks/leaks across a 1,000-square-mile service area.”

Customers should:

• Use water only as necessary, such as taking shorter showers and quickly turning off faucets from running at full force.
• Limit flushing toilets (do not flush after every use).
• Limit using washing machines and dishwashers.

Other advice from the utility includes leaving a faucet running on a trickle when home to keep water moving through pipes and opening cabinet doors to expose pipes the heat in the home.

To contact WSSC, call 301-206-4002 or email emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com. 

Expect some delays Tuesday as Metro operates on a weekend schedule.

Bus and rail service started at 6 a.m. on a two-hour delay, with only 43 bus routes operating. Trains are running every 15 to 30 minutes with frequency expected to improve throughout the day.

Metro Access will begin non-medical service starting at 8 a.m.

Riders should check WMATA’s website before traveling for route-specific service information.

Have you ever skipped clearing all the ice and snow off your car? There’s no specific law against it in Maryland — but that could change.

A proposal in the Maryland General Assembly, House Bill 474, would require drivers to remove snow and ice from their car’s hood, trunk, roof and, of course, windshield and windows.

The bill is sponsored by Maryland Dels. Edith Patterson, Marc Korman, Veronica Turner and Andrea Harrison.

Maryland State Police spokesperson Elena Russo said clearing snow and ice is a key part of staying safe on the roads.

“I think we’ve all been there seeing the ice or snow fly off a tractor-trailer. It almost becomes sort of a projectile,” Russo said. “It’s easy enough to just take a few extra minutes before you travel and clean your vehicle completely. It’s a small step that could really help in the long run.”

The bill would also require commercial trucks to clear snow from the cab and trailer.

For noncommercial vehicles, a first offense would carry a $25 fine, increasing to a maximum of $200 for repeat violations, For commercial vehicles, fines would start at $75 for a first offense.

A similar bill was proposed in 2016 but died in committee.

If approved, the new law would take effect Oct. 1, 2026.

After the D.C. region saw one of its biggest snowstorms in years, many residents are still stuck in their homes, unable to travel through unplowed roads.

If you’re wondering when plows will reach you, Maryland, Virginia and the District have online maps that show where crews have cleared, and are currently clearing, snow from the roads.

Here’s who to contact and where to find plow information if your roads are still snowed over.

District

D.C. has a Snow Tracker tool that shows how and where crews have cleared the snow. The live, interactive map shows how many hours have passed since a street was plowed.

You can call 311 if you need to report a street that hasn’t been cleared.

Virginia

The Virginia Department of Transportation also has an interactive map called VDOT Plows that monitors the location of over 7,000 snow plows. The map is updated every two minutes when plows are in operation.

For information on real-time road conditions, visit 511 Virginia.

Manassas City

If you have questions about snow removal, you can call 703-257-8347 or 703-257-8353 during business hours, according to the Manassas City website.

Prince William and Fairfax County

The Prince William County and Fairfax County websites say to call VDOT at 800-367-7623 for information on snow removal or to report an issue.

Maryland

Montgomery County

Montgomery County has a Winter Storm Information Portal where you can enter your street number and ZIP code to find out the snow removal status of your street.

You can also create a service request to report if a street missed being plowed or remains unplowed.

Prince George’s County

Everything you need to know about the county’s snow removal services can be found on the Prince George’s County government website. Residents are asked to wait 24 hours after precipitation has stopped to call 311 or 301-883-4748 about snow removal.

Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County has an interactive map charting snow removal progress. For more information and a county travel guide during winter weather, check out the county’s website.

If you want to request a service, you can also call 311.

Metro is suspending all bus service at midnight Tuesday due to weather conditions. No overnight bus service will be available.

As part of service adjustments Tuesday, rail service will begin at 6 a.m. Tuesday and operate on a weekend schedule, with trains running every 15 to 30 minutes. Service frequency is expected to increase throughout the day, according to the transit agency.

Metrobus will announce at 4:30 a.m. service patterns that will start at 6 a.m. Buses will operate a weekday schedule and routes will be reinstated as roads become passable, according to Metro.

Customers should check WMATA’s website before traveling for route-specific service information.

The Fairfax Connector service in Virginia will also have limited Sunday service on Tuesday, impacting certain routes with snow detours.

Residents in Montgomery County, Maryland, should keep their cars parked on the even number side of the street for the remainder of the county’s snow emergency, which will likely end Wednesday.

Normally, cars would be required to move to the odd number side by Tuesday morning, but the snow and ice associated with this storm has made it difficult to move cars, according to a county spokesperson.

County code will be updated to allow for flexibility, the spokesperson said.

Montgomery Parks’ facilities will stay closed through Tuesday as the D.C. region cleans up from a wintry storm that dumped snow and sleet over the weekend.

Ice rinks, tennis centers, parks, trails and historic sites are among the spots closed in Montgomery County, Maryland.

According to a news release, the closure was caused by concerns over potential icy conditions and downed trees. The department is asking anyone who spots a hazard to call Park Police at 301-949-8010.

As storm cleanup efforts get underway across Maryland, Gov. Wes Moore detailed Monday that over 3,000 pieces of snow equipment has been deployed to help clear roadways.

“Whether it’s between ice breakers and salt, that’s how a lot of the ice is going to have to get removed,” Moore told WTOP’s John Aaron and Michelle Basch. “It also means that for individual, local streets, there’s heavy level of coordination that’s taking place between the state and our local jurisdictions who also have assets and authorities to make sure that local roads are cleaned out.”

Moore described the coordination as an “all of government approach” and an “all of Maryland approach.”

“The victories really belong to the people of the state of Maryland. You know, they really have, you know, done the work,” he said. “But also, the victory belongs to these first responders.”

Listen to WTOP’s interview with Moore below:

In its latest update, Metrobus announced it’s running just four priority routes in order to “provide access to hospitals and other life-sustaining facilities.”

The bus lines currently in operation are D20, D40, D70 and M22.

“Service remains limited, and additional routes will be restored as roads become passable and operators become available,” the advisory states. “Some routes may remain suspended or operate on detour.”

For Metrobus’ latest route updates, check out the agency’s Bus Snow Service portal.

The public transportation provider also reiterated that MetroAccess will only be running “life-sustaining trips” Monday, canceling all others for the day.

Metro will operate service every 30 minutes on all train lines Monday due to weather-related impacts.

“Please plan extra travel time & use caution when entering/exiting stations & waiting on platforms,” WMATA said in an X post, directing commuters to use the Metro Pulse app for real-time updates.

The update comes as Metrobus service started Monday operations at 8 a.m. on a 2-hour delay after the overnight freeze “left many roads impassable and impacted several operators’ ability to report for duty,” the transit agency said.

Additionally, Virginia’s Fairfax County said the Fairfax Connector bus service would not run Monday as a result of the weekend weather’s impact on roads.

With the snowfall out of the D.C. region and a deep freeze settling in for much of the week ahead, the impact of the storm is starting to raise questions about its impact on the U.S. supply chain.

On top of the neighborhood dig-outs happening throughout the D.C. area, shoveling and clearing efforts will also be underway at major East Coast processing centers, such as the Port of New York, New Jersey and, of course, Baltimore.

Joe Schwieterman, a transportation professor with DePaul University, told WTOP’s Dan Ronan that the snowstorm will have “especially large effects on freight movement, logistics (and) stocking,” among other aspects.

“This coming week, even into the next weekend, we’re going to see shortages, places close — that sort of thing — just due to the headaches this creates,” he said, noting that delays could also surface from supply chains in areas along the U.S.’ southern states, where snowstorms don’t happen often. “It’s going to be a tough one out there.”

But, Schwieterman said, the supply chain should be running on normal operations once roads are fully cleared.

Before you take your pup outdoors over the next few days, make sure they’re bundled up and keep walks brief to avoid a possible trip to the veterinarian’s office.

Dr. Sophie Kindberg-Hanlon, with the Friendship Hospital for Animals in D.C., told WTOP’s Mike Murillo that many pet owners underestimate how fast the cold can affect pets, especially small dogs, puppies and short-haired breeds.

“The three things that we see in the hospital are cold exposure, injuries and toxicities,” she said.

Read more about how to protect your dog from extreme cold conditions here.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Sunday evening that D.C. government will operate under a modified schedule Monday, Jan. 26, as extreme cold and lingering snow and ice continue to impact the region.

Essential employees are expected to report to work as scheduled. Nonessential employees who can telework should do so, while all nonessential in-person government services will be closed.

DC Public Schools were already closed for a professional development and records day. Educators will work remotely, and staff will not be required to report in person. Public charter schools are also expected to close for in-person operations, with families advised to check directly with their schools for updates.

Trash, recycling, and food-waste collection will be suspended Monday. Officials warn residents to expect delays throughout the week as crews contend with icy alleys and streets. Leaf collection remains suspended.

A snow emergency remains in effect through Tuesday morning at 9:30. Parking is prohibited on snow emergency routes, and vehicles parked there may be ticketed or towed. All parking enforcement is suspended except for snow emergency routes.

An Extreme Cold Alert also remains in effect. Hypothermia shelters and low-barrier shelters are open around the clock, along with youth drop-in centers and day services for residents experiencing homelessness. The District urges residents to check on vulnerable neighbors and to call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or dial 311 for assistance.

Most recreation centers, libraries, senior centers, DMV locations, and several human services offices will be closed. Construction without emergency or after-hours permits is suspended, and reversible lane operations are halted on several major roadways. DC Streetcar service is not operating.

City snow crews remain fully deployed, focusing on highways, bridges, residential streets, sidewalks, and bike lanes. Officials remind property owners and businesses they are responsible for clearing sidewalks within eight daylight hours after the storm ends.

Here’s a full breakdown.

Modified Services: 

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will suspend construction and work zones for non-emergency work in roadways, alleys, and sidewalks within the District’s right of way. This includes manhole access and construction-related deliveries.

Lane Restrictions: 

DDOT will suspend reversible lane operations citywide on the following roads:

Canal Road between Chain Bridge and Foxhall Road NW
Rock Creek Parkway (controlled by the National Park Service)
16th Street NW between Irving Street and Arkansas Avenue NW

The D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB) will not allow construction without an issued after-hours permit. Construction activity that proceeds without this required permit will result in a Stop Work Order. Illegal construction reports can be made using the Illegal Construction Inspection Request Form or after-hours by calling 311. To learn more about authorized construction hours and how to apply for an after hours permit, please view the After Hours Permit webpage. DOB offers many online services, tools, and resources, enabling customers to conduct business 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

All parking enforcement will be suspended, except for Snow Emergency Route ticketing and towing.

DC Streetcar is not operating. Check dcstreetcar.com for the latest updates on routes and schedules.

What’s Closed

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) recreation centers, community centers, indoor aquatic centers, and offices will be closed.

All DC Public Library (DCPL) locations will be closed.

Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) senior programming, senior wellness centers, and community dining sites will be closed.

The Department of Human Services Economic Security Administration Service Centers as well as the EBT Card Distribution Offices, will be closed; however, the call center will be open, District Direct will be accessible, and benefits will continue to be processed.

The Virginia Williams Family Resource Center (VWFRC), the central intake office for families in the District of Columbia seeking assistance with housing needs, will be closed for in-person services. Households can call 202-526-0017 to connect with a VWFRC team member and complete an assessment for homeless services.

The DC Health & Wellness Center  (77 P Street NE) will be closed.

DC Health’s Vital Records Division will be closed.

DC Health’s Licensing and Renewal Division will be closed, with the exception of the online license applications system which will be available at doh.force.com/dchealthrenewals/s/portal-page.

All Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations will be closed. Customers are encouraged to visit the DMV website at dmv.dc.gov for available services online or download the agency’s free mobile app.

The Department of Employment Services Navigation Call Center and all American Job Centers will be closed. Residents are encouraged to file unemployment insurance claims online at does.dc.gov.

The Sasha Bruce Youth Drop-In Centers for District residents experiencing homelessness will be closed.

The Latin American Youth Center Youth Drop-In Center for District residents experiencing homelessness, located at 3045 15th Street NW, will be closed.

Snow Clearing 

The snow team is engaging in a full deployment. Heavy plows (six- and 10-wheel dump trucks) treat highways, streets, bridges, ramps, and other elevated structures, and light plows (pickup trucks) treat smaller streets. The Department of General Services (DGS) is currently clearing DC government properties, including walkways, driveways and entryways at schools, police stations, fire houses, DHS shelters, senior wellness centers, and DPR sites.

Bike lanes across the District are serviced by the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). DDOT’s bike-lane clean up team clears the protected bike lanes after the District Snow Team clears general motor vehicle travel lanes citywide. Protected bike lanes are usually cleared six to 24 hours after motor vehicle travel lanes.

The community is asked to wait until eight hours after the end of the storm to request snow removal through 311.

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 also within the first eight hours of daylight following the end of a snow event.

DC Volunteer Snow Team Heros

ServeDC urges residents with their own shovels to volunteer to clear walkways for senior residents and those with access and functional needs through the DC Volunteer Snow Team. Volunteers will receive deployment assignments via email or phone.

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 the outdoor dining areas, except for the barriers. Failure to do so may result in damage to the 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 the outdoor dining area and ensuring sidewalks are accessible.

Critical Infrastructure

Reporting power outages or downed wires:

Fallen overhead power lines should never be approached or touched even if the lines do not appear to be live or sparking. Call Pepco at 1-877-PEPCO-62 (1-877-737-2662) to report fallen electrical lines and power outages.

Treat all downed power lines as if they’re live. Do not touch, drive over, or try to move downed power lines.

Residents should take steps to prevent pipes from freezing/bursting:

Drip water through your faucets to prevent pipes from freezing.
Open undersink cabinets to help pipes stay warm.

Report loss of water service, widespread low water pressure, or water in the street to DC Water at 202-612-3400.

Due to rapidly deteriorating road conditions caused by the winter storm, including icy and snow-covered roadways, the Maryland Transit Administration has announced the suspension of all Local Bus service beginning Sunday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. This decision was made to protect the safety of riders and employees as conditions have become unsafe for bus operations.   

Service on the CityLink routes only is expected to resume at 8 a.m. on Monday, January 26. 

Riders can monitor the agency’s service alerts https://www.mta.maryland.gov/service-alerts and visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/winter-weather to learn more.

Due to “impassable” road conditions, bus service will be suspended starting Sunday at 9:30 p.m.

It’ll resume with limited service on Jan. 26 at 6 a.m.

Metro Access will provide essential trips only.

Maryland MTA – MARC Train – No Service on Monday, Jan. 26 — Due to severe winter weather and deteriorating track conditions caused by the ongoing snowstorm. MARC Train service on the Penn, Camden, and Brunswick Lines will not operate. Visit their website for more updates and alerts.

Montgomery County Department of Transportation – Ride On – Due to low temperatures and poor road conditions, Ride On will be operating the S Service Schedule on Mon., Jan. 26. Flash Orange will use 40-foot Ride On buses. Riders should anticipate possible service delays and detours. Visit their website for additional updates and alerts.

Key resources for Montgomery County residents generated by the office of the City Council President, Natali Fani-González.

Who should you call?

For most non-emergency service requests, MC 311 is the best number to contact during this storm.

MC311 Hours: Noon–4 p.m. Sunday; 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday. Call 311, 240-777-0311 (outside the county), or visit MC311 Online.

Call 911 immediately if you see an active downed power line sparking, causing a fire, or creating an immediate danger to people or property.

Schools & County Operations

MCPS Schools: Closed to students on Monday, Jan. 26 (previously scheduled staff planning day). MCPS will update its operational status for Monday by 4 p.m. today.

MCPS Activities: All canceled for Sunday, Jan. 25.

County Facilities Closed Sunday, Jan. 25:

• Public Libraries
• Recreation Centers
• Alcohol Beverage Services stores
• Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
• Animal Adoption Center

MC311 Hours: Noon–4 p.m. Sunday; 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday. Call 311, 240-777-0311 (outside the county), or visit MC311 Online.

Roads & Snow Plowing

County crews began plowing primary roads at 4 a.m. with over 500 pieces of equipment. Primary streets are cleared first for emergency access; residential streets follow once snowfall stops.

Track plowing progress: montgomerycountymd.gov/snow.

If your street hasn’t been cleared within 24–36 hours after the storm ends, submit a request to MC311. Allow:

36–40 hours if snowfall exceeds 15″

48–60 hours if snowfall exceeds 24″

For state roads (numbered routes like Georgia Avenue/97 or University Boulevard/193): Call SHA at 301-513-7300.

Parking Rules (Snow Emergency in Effect)

Parking is prohibited on snow emergency routes and posted surface lots.

Through Monday: Park on the even side of the street.

If the emergency continues: Move to the odd side by 7 a.m. Tuesday.

County parking garages are free during the snow emergency.

Ride On Bus Service

Limited service today: 17 routes, 6 a.m.–8 p.m., with 40–60 minute frequency.

Monday service decision will be announced later today. Check RideOnBus.com for updates.

Reporting Downed Lines & Trees

Downed Power Lines: Stay far away and report to Pepco at 1-877-737-2662 or via the Pepco Outage Center. For active downed lines, call 911.

Downed Trees: Call 311 or use the MC311 online portal. Outside MC311 hours, call the police non-emergency line at 301-279-8000.

Utility Emergencies

Pepco (Electricity): 1-877-737-2662

Washington Gas (Gas Leaks): 1-844-927-4427

WSSC Water (Water/Sewer): 1-800-828-6439

Shelter & Warming Centers

If you or someone you know needs shelter, call 311 or visit montgomerycountymd.gov/homelessness.

Transportation assistance may be available—call 311 for details.

Stay Updated

Snow Portal: montgomerycountymd.gov/snow

Alert Montgomery: alert.montgomerycountymd.gov

Twitter: @ReadyMontgomery

OEMHS Winter Readiness Tips: montgomerycountymd.gov/oemhs

MCPS Alerts: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/emergency/alertmcps/

Need Assistance?

311 is likely to be the best place to reach out to for assistance in this storm. If your issue isn’t related to topics above, my office is here to help. Please reach out to us at:

Email: councilmember.fani-gonzalez@montgomerycountymd.gov

Severe weather continues to effect area roads.

The latest announcement comes from the public relations team in Virginia.

The 95/395 express lanes will be closed tonight starting around 7 p.m. and will remain closed until 3 a.m. Monday morning for snow and ice clearing.

Tolls will be lifted on the 495/95/395 express lanes on Monday between 3 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Motorists should avoid nonessential travel so crews can safely and more easily clear roads.

Looking to get a bit of late-night shopping in? It is going to be hard.

Area grocery stores are closing early on Sunday evening due to severe weather conditions.

All area Giant locations are closing at 6 p.m. today. The team at Giant noted in a press release that the safety of their store associates and customer’s during this storm led to them making this decision. Giant locations will reopen at 6 a.m. on Monday.

Wegman’s communications team announced that all of their Maryland, Virginia (except the Virginia Beach location), and the Wisconsin Ave. D.C. locations are closed. More details on their openings and closings can be found at their website.

Fairfax County is really concerned about the overnight freeze and the threat of power outages as sleet and freezing temperatures head their way Sunday night into Monday morning. WTOP spoke with Seamus Mooney, the director of Fairfax County’s Department of Emergency Management and Security, about what residents need to be doing next to ensure safety after the storm.

“Residents need to be clearing out the snow as much as possible before the expected overnight deep freeze,” said Mooney.

Once you have cleaned your area, Mooney encouraged Fairfax residents to also aid their neighbors in doing the same.

“The priority should be clearing out as much of this snow as possible before it turns into a block of ice overnight,” said Mooney.

Listen to WTOP’s full interview with Mooney below:

In its latest Sunday update, Metro announced that rail service would be running its regularly schedule operations, with Monday service operating on a weekend schedule after opening at 6 a.m.

Metro Bus service continues Sunday for just 14 routes due to road conditions. The public transportation provider said officials would be determining the status of other individual routes on a case-by-case basis in light of weather conditions.

For Metro Access users, the service is requesting that customers “defer” all “non-critical trips” for Monday.

The agency intends to issue an update at 9 p.m.

Depending on where in the D.C. region you live, you may be dealing with around 4 inches of snow, or more than 8 inches.

No matter how much snow is in your area, it’s a safe bet that layer of ice pellets is packing the snow down Sunday afternoon, as a prolonged period of sleet followed the snow.

Some of the most notable snow measurements? Spotters reported 8.5 inches in Simpsonville in Howard County, Maryland, and 7 inches in Ashburn, Virginia.

Find out more about snow totals across the region here.

Alexandria was hit with 5 to 6.5 inches of snow Sunday before the transition to sleet, and the looming possibility of freezing rain Sunday night. Mayor Alyia Gaskins told WTOP her team is looking at a concerning potential bout of rain and ice at around 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“If that is the case, then we’re going to have to keep focusing on the primary roads before we can get to any side streets. If that’s not the case then we might be able to start getting into neighborhoods much sooner. But we’ll have a better, I think, estimate probably by early morning on Monday,” she said.

Gaskins advised residents to check the city’s website, where she said there’s a tracker that indicates the location of plows and provides estimates of when certain neighborhoods will be plowed.

Listen to WTOP’s full interview with Gaskins below:

Metro said it’s continuing normal rail service Sunday, though riders should expect delays, according to Leroy Jones, Metro’s chief operations officer.

“We are running a full complement of trains,” Jones said at a press briefing. “Sunday service requires right around 93 trains to be put out and we have achieved that.”

Jones said some trains were stored underground to make sure they were ready for today.

But road conditions are making it hard for buses to travel, so Metrobus only has a limited number of routes running.

Metro is expected to provide another update later Sunday afternoon. Go to Metro’s service page for more alerts.

The snowfall blanketing the D.C. area will slowly transition into sleet between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sunday, according to 7News First Alert Meteorologist Jordan Evans.

Evans told WTOP that the transition will take time, but expect precipitation to turn to all sleet by mid afternoon Sunday. Then, some freezing rain could hit the area in the evening, glazing the Beltway and making driving extremely dangerous.

“Stay off the roads to allow plow crews to clear the way,” Evans said.

WTOP traffic reporter Steve Dresner, who is checking on conditions in Montgomery County, echoes Evans’ advice. “We have very treacherous driving conditions,” he said after arriving in Gaithersburg at about 6:30 a.m. “Visibility is dropping and I’m now getting sleet pellets on my jacket.”

Dresner said the snow has picked up and he estimates about 3.5 inches of fluffy, powdery snow is on the ground. He said he was driving at about 20 mph on the Beltway and “was sliding around.” “Be extra careful when exiting if you have to be on 495,” he said.

Meanwhile, temperatures are dropping and he said it was 13 degrees in Gaithersburg.

The Maryland State Highway Administration is also warning drivers to stay off the roads, especially on the Beltway, where highway lights are not operating from the American Legion Bridge through Rockville, Maryland.

The National Weather Service continues its winter storm warning, still in effect until 4 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26, for the District, Maryland and Virginia.

Sunday night the temperatures will drop back down to the upper teens, refreezing wet roads, so try to stay home, Evans said.

But there is sunshine on the horizon. Evans reports that no more precipitation is expected for the rest of the week. But it will remain very cold, with temperatures in the teens Sunday night through the middle of this week, with subzero wind chills likely

Check out the NWS website for the D.C. area for more weather information.

FEMA has announced that Maryland’s emergency declaration request has been approved by the federal government, allowing the agency to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide resources to the state in preparation for the storm.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency on Friday, telling WTOP that it would give the state “full flexibility” to work with state and federal partners to prepare for the storm.

The agency’s announcement comes after rejecting several requests from the state for assistance last year, during severe flooding in Western Maryland.

The county asks residents to avoid street parking.

Park in driveways or use county garages, which will be free during the snow emergency.

Where street parking is unavoidable, residents should park on the side of the street with even-numbered addresses on Saturday. Vehicles should be moved to the other side of the street on Tuesday, if conditions persist.

As this storm moves in, the message is simple: don’t underestimate it — and don’t try to outsmart it, according to WTOP’s Steve Dresner in the Traffic Center.

Local streets across the District are going to be especially difficult to navigate. Areas like Canal Road and Foxhall Road can quickly turn into sheets of ice once plows move through and temperatures stay below freezing. Bridges will be another major problem spot, including Key Bridge and Memorial Bridge, especially for drivers heading toward Rosslyn.

People love getting out on the Mall — walking dogs, sledding, just being outside — but this is not the storm for it. Even smaller downtown streets could be treacherous or impassable at times.

Forecasts may shift, but one thing is certain: everything is going to freeze. With 5 to 10 inches of snow possible and ice mixed in, this is not a storm where all-wheel drive makes you invincible. Compacted snow turns slick fast, and overconfidence is what gets drivers hurt.

Snow crews are ready, but they need space. Give plows plenty of distance. Debris kicked up can shatter windshields, and following too closely has caused crashes.

Prepare now. Get essentials, avoid unnecessary trips, and be cautious with space and gas heaters indoors. Slow down, stay back, and stay home if you can.

The U.S. Senate, originally scheduled to return into session Monday, will now be returning Tuesday due to the incoming snowstorm, bringing into question the upper chamber’s ability to act on final legislation to avoid a partial government shutdown.

The legislative body is facing down a Jan. 30 deadline.

Read more.

Gov. Wes Moore has activated the Maryland National Guard ahead of the winter storm set to blanket the D.C. region.

A release issued by Moore’s office indicates the order activated approximately 160 members “to support civil authorities with specialized vehicles across the state to ensure rapid response capabilities for communities that may require assistance during anticipated inclement weather conditions of the winter storm.”

“The safety and well-being of Maryland residents is our top priority,” said Brig. Gen Craig Hunter, director of the Maryland National Guard Joint Staff.

“By preparing our personnel and equipment before the winter storm, we can respond immediately to requests for assistance from local jurisdictions and help ensure our communities remain safe during this weather. The Maryland National Guard will work in close coordination with the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, local emergency management officials, and county governments to identify areas of greatest need.”

Guard members will be posted at four readiness centers in Dundalk, Hagerstown, Sykesville, and Salisbury. A total of 10 Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV) and 32 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles will be tapped for safety operations.

We are going to see several different precipitation types in the coming winter storm. To make shoveling easier, here are some hints on attacking the snow on your sidewalk and driveway.

We will see some moderate to heavy snowfall rates in the predawn hours of Sunday. The good news is that this will be a light and fluffy snow, and will be fairly easy to shovel. You should plan to do your first round of shoveling around sunrise on Sunday.

As temperatures both at the ground and in the upper atmosphere start to rise on Sunday morning, the snow will become much wetter and heavier. This snow will be much more difficult to shovel, and you will want to plan on doing another round of shoveling between 10 a.m. and noon. During the afternoon, the snow will change over to sleet, and you may want to delay your shoveling until the sleet ends, as sleet comes down as small, hard pellets and can sting exposed skin and can cause eye irritations. Areas east and south of the District may see the precipitation change over the freezing rain Sunday afternoon. Freezing rain creates a glaze of ice, and makes walking and driving very dangerous. Best bet is to stay inside until the freezing rain ends.

Keep in mind that temperatures will be in the teens Sunday night, and all of the snow, sleet and freezing rain will freeze into a solid block of ice that will be very hard to shovel. With lows in the single digits and teens for the next week, the snow and ice will be around for awhile.

The winter storm bearing down on the D.C. region brings a heightened risk of power outages, due to the risk of a wave of sleet and freezing rain that’s forecast to come after heavy snow.

That ice could weigh down power lines and trees.

“We’re getting our trucks ready. We’re making sure that our facilities are ready,” Tammy Sanford, director of electric operations for Pepco, said. “We’re also working on hoteling arrangements to get our crews close to the service center, so that if we should experience outages, our crews are ready to go and we can respond.”

Employees will be working overtime.

“We’re going to have our crews on rotating 12-hour shifts, and every resource that we have available will be deployed for this event,” she said.

If outages start piling up, keep in mind that outages affecting more customers will take priority.

“If you happen to be on an outage event that is impacting thousands of customers, that’s going to receive a higher priority rate than an outage just impacting one or two customers,” Sanford said. “We’ll work those down in our priority, but please be patient. Please use the app to collect information on when we expect to restore you. And please report outages.”

With frigid temperatures expected, Pepco officials said it’s critical to have a plan if your power goes out.

“Have an emergency kit. Have your batteries charged. Have an emergency supply of food and fresh drinking water,” said Rob Spelman, senior manager of overhead maintenance and construction at Pepco’s Rockville service center.

A snow emergency in D.C. goes into effect at noon Saturday and lasts through 9:30 a.m. Tuesday.

That means if you’re parked along one of the city’s snow emergency routes during that time range, you’ll be ticketed and towed.

Here’s a map of all the snow routes in D.C.

A weekend full of winter weather is kicking off in the D.C. region with a blast of arctic air starting Friday night, which will be followed by a massive snowstorm approaching from the west and arriving Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the D.C. region beginning Saturday at 11 p.m. and lasting through Monday at 4 a.m.

During the winter storm warning, the weather service said driving on snowy roads will be “nearly impossible” and ice could knock out power or damage trees.

Read the full winter forecast.

How many inches will we get? That’s the question on everyone’s mind and WTOP is taking your best prediction!

Enter WTOP’s Snowzilla 2026 Contest for a chance to win Dave Dildine’s “Snowzilla Gauge.”

Guess the snow total expected at Reagan National Airport as recorded by the National Weather Service this weekend, from Saturday, Jan. 24 through Monday, Jan. 26, and you could win WTOP Traffic reporter and weather enthusiast Dave Dildine’s own handmade “Snowzilla Gauge” — signed by the man himself.

Here’s how to enter.